Many of the allergens that cause COPD are found in hay and bedding, especially straw. Use of woodshavings instead of straw, and watering down the bedding can be beneficial. Hay can be soaked in water for 5-10 minutes to decrease the number of allergens. Soaking hay for longer than 10 minutes can actually increase the number of particles present, so care must be taken not to over-soak the hay. This problem can be avoided by replacing the hay with a commercially produced, complete pelleted feed.
Antihistamines are also of little benefit.
Treatment with corticosteroids, a class of powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, have been shown to be effective in treating COPD, especially in combination with bronchodilators, a drug that dilates the airways. These drugs are usually administered orally or by injection. A drawback to corticosteroids is the potential side affects of these drugs, which include founder, suppression of the immune system and adrenal gland dysfunction. A new approach to COPD therapy is currently being studied at Purdue. Dr. Laurent Couetil and his research team are looking at a new method of delivering corticosteroids directly into the airways of horses.