Van Eenoo P, Delbeke FT. Biomed Chromatogr. 2002 Dec;16(8):513-6.

Detection of inhaled salbutamol in equine urine by ELISA and GC/MS2

Hodgson JL and Hodgson DR. Equine Respiratory Diseases, 16-Aug-2002.

Inflammatory Airway Disease

Lekeux P, Duvivier DH. Equine Respiratory Diseases, 2001 11.

Aerosol Therapy

Respiratory problems are frequently implicated in horses as a cause of poor sportive performances. The most frequently occurring lower respiratory tract disorders are heaves, inflammatory airway disease and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) [1]. Classically, their treatment included systemic administration of drugs, however, aerosol therapy is now known to be a more specific way to treat respiratory disorders with a better efficacy/toxicity ratio. Furthermore, the recent development of easy-to-use devices for horses has boostered the interest for such a therapy. This article describes the equipment and drugs currently recommended for aerosol therapy in horses.

Duvivier DH, Votion D, Vandenput S and Lekeux P. The Veterinary Journal 1997, 154;189-202.

Aerosol Therapy in the Equine species (Review)

Inhalation therapy plays an increasing role in the management of equine respiratory disorders. This review considers the principles of action of the different types of devices used for inhalation, i.e. nebulization, metered-dose inhalation and dry powder inhalation, describes the technical and practical requirements for their use in the equine species and considers the advantages and disadvantages of each inhalation device.

Viel L, Celly C, Staempfli H, Tesarowski DB. 1999/Vol.45/AAEP PROCEEDINGS.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate in Horses with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study demonstrates that inhales fluticasone propionate administered over 3 weeks is highly effective in the treatment of acute heaves.

Ammann VJ, Vrins AA, Lavoie JP. Departement de Sciences Cliniques, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire, Universite de Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. Equine Vet. J. 30, 152-157.

Effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on respiratory function in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The effects of beclomethasone dipropionate on pulmonary function and arterial blood gas values were investigated in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can be concluded from the results of this study that inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate causes a marked improvement of respiratory function in horses with COPD.

Thomson JR, McPherson EA. Equine vet. J. 13, 243-246.

Prophylactic effects of sodium cromoglycate on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the horse

These results indicate that prophylactic treatment with inhaled sodium cromoglycate is an effective method of controlling the clinical signs of COPD.

Firestone Equine Respiratory Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.

The rapid and effective administration of a beta 2-agonist to horses with heaves using a compact inhalation device and metered-dose inhalers

The purpose of the study was to administer therapeutic aerosol generated by metered-dose inhalers to horses exhibiting clinical signs of heaves using a compact inhalation device developed for human medicine This study demonstrates a novel, highly effective method for the rapid administration of inhaled medication in horses.

Rush BR, Worster AA, Flaminio MJ, Matson CJ, Hakala JE. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA. Am. J. vet. Res. 59, 1044-1047.

Alteration in adrenocortical function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively

OBJECTIVE: To determine alteration in adrenocortical function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone and dexamethasone, respectively, suppressed adrenocortical function; however, endogenous cortisol production resumed approximately 2 and 4 days after discontinuation of drugs. Responsiveness to ACTH stimulation testing was not affected by the 7-day treatment period.

Rush BR, Raub ES, Rhoads WS, Flaminio MJ, Matson CJ, Hakala JE, Gillespie JR. Department of Clinical Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA. Am. J. vet. Res. 59, 1039-1043.

Pulmonary function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in clinical signs of disease and response to pulmonary function testing in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function testing responses and clinical signs of airway obstruction were improved by administration of beclomethasone.

Rush BR, Flaminio MJ, Matson CJ, Hakala JE, Shuman W. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA. Am. J. vet. Res. 59, 1033-1038.

Cytologic evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively

OBJECTIVE: To determine cytologic changes in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) after administration of aerosolized beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone parenterally. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosolized beclomethasone attenuated neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation and prevented alteration in lymphocyte subpopulations in horses with heaves.

Beech J; Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 1991 Apr;7(1):79-91.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD continues to be a severe condition in horses. Despite increased understanding of its pathogenesis, there is relatively little information on effective treatment regimens.

Bracher V, von Fellenberg R, Winder CN, Gruenig G, Hermann M, Kraehenmann A. Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland. Equine Vet J. 1991 Mar;23(2):136-41.

An investigation of the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in random populations of Swiss horses

The incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Switzerland was determined in three groups of horses selected at random.

Dixon PM, Railton DI, McGorum BC. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothia, Scotland, UK. Equine Vet J 1995 Nov;27(6): 416-21.

Equine pulmonary disease: a case control study of 300 referred cases. Part 1: Examination techniques, diagnostic criteria and diagnoses

Three-hundred adult horses, referred from 1990 to 1993 inclusively, for pulmonary examination were assessed using standardised history taking and clinical, intrapleural pressure, arterial blood gases and pH, bronchoscopic and tracheal and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytological examinations.

Murphy JR, McPherson EA, Dixon PM. Equine Vet J 1980 Jan;12(1):10-4.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): effects of bronchodilator drugs on normal and affected horses

The effects of the bronchodilator drugs, atropine, isoprenaline and terbutaline, on normal horses and on horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were assessed by pulmonary function tests and clinical examination.