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  Discussion on COPD
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 8, 1999 - 12:42 am:

I have a 10 yo QH geld. He was raced as a 2 yo and sold to a lady who kept him on pasture until he was 6. He was then sold to a man who used him for general ranch work - roping and working cattle. I bought him in Feb. 1999. I started this horse on barrels and he was doing great - until June. We live in the Houston, Tx. area where it is very hot and humid. This horse started to exhibit signs of a breathing problem. His respirations would be up to 120 (at rest) and seemed very shallow. He had no cough and no nasal discharge. He is loaded with heart and never refused to work for me. He did however, seem to become difficult (for lack of a better word),high and silly. I called my vet and he said he felt I had nothing to worry about - the heat was the culprit. For 30 days I let things ride, so to speak. I took him to another vet and she diagnosed him with COPD. He is taking Azium (Dexamethasone) Powder 10mg. for the next 7 days. We will then start him on Predisone(?) for a unspecified amount of time. My vet took a lung xray that showed very little oxygen in the upper portion of the lung - due to what she feels is inflamation of the lung tissue as well as some possible scarring on the lungs. We will rexray after 30 days to see if any permanent damage has resulted. I would like to know if anyone has an opinion on the diagnosis as well as on the future performance of this horse. Beginning in March I would like to haul this horse pretty extensively and would like to know if anyone has successfully hauled a performance horse with COPD. Also, what would be a good hay substitute for a COPD horse? Thanks, in advance, for your input.

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 8, 1999 - 7:52 am:

Hello Joy,
Have you read our articles on COPD? You will find them in the Disease: Respiratory sections. We also have aritcles on the primary cause and medications you describe. I think they are all linked in that article.
DrO
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