Acute episode of COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

SYMPTOMS

  • Increased difficulty breathing
  • Flared nostrils
  • Increased respiratory rate
  • Coughing
  • Abdominal effort in breathing
  • Can audibly hear horse breathing
  • Sweating
  • Anxious

FIRST AID

  • Get the horse inside if he was outside or outside if he was inside
  • Assess your horse’s temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate
  • Cold hose your horse if outdoor temperature is hot
  • Call your veterinarian

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN

  • Your veterinarian may have you give some Banamine and/or Dexamethasone.
  • Be able to tell your veterinarian if your horse has had heaves before and what medications your horse is on.