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The latest consensus statement* regarding the management of equine asthma clearly identifies corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and omega-3 fatty acids as key factors in successfully managing affected horses. However, as pointed out by other researchers, many studies on equine asthma examined a wide array of airway characteristics (e.g., type of inflammatory cells present in lung washes, lung function, degree of inflammation) to create treatment protocols, but far fewer studies actually assessed the “real life” impact of these changes**.

“Asthmatic horses can be treated with either inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, the latter of which can include oral medications such as prednisolone or intravenous dexamethasone,” explained Laura Petroski, B.V.M.S., a veterinarian at Kentucky Equine Research. For inhaled products, fluticasone remains a popular choice.

To determine the clinically detectable impact of corticosteroids on equine asthma, a group of researchers recently reviewed thousands of cases treated with corticosteroids. From those, six studies including 80 asthmatic horses were selected. The following information was gleaned from this analysis:

  • Corticosteroids have a significant and beneficial clinical impact on equine asthma;
  • No difference in the real-life response was noted between systemic and inhaled corticosteroids;
  • Dose of inhaled corticosteroids affects clinical response. Specifically, inhaled fluticasone is more effective when administered at a dose of 6 mg instead of 3 mg;
  • Frequency of administration improved clinical response. For example, administering dexamethasone twice daily instead of once daily is more effective; and
  • Systemic corticosteroids more quickly help horses suffering from an asthmatic flare-up, also referred to as acute exacerbation, than inhaled medications.

“Both studies emphasized that this data specifically refer to corticosteroids. It is important to appreciate that bronchodilators, omega-3 fatty acids such as EO•3, and environmental management all need to be implemented to adequately control equine asthma,” Petroski advised.

She added, “EO•3 is a palatable and potent marine-derived oil rich in both DHA and EPA that can be top-dressed onto a horse’s feed to exert a myriad of anti-inflammatory benefits.”

*Couëtil, L.L., J.M. Cardwell, V. Gerber, et al. 2016. Inflammatory airway disease of horses—Revised consensus statement. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 30(2):503-515.

**Calzetta, L., P. Rogliani, C. Page, et al. Clinical effect of corticosteroids in asthma-affected horses: A quantitative synthesis. Equine Veterinary Journal. In press.

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