The net effect of these processes is a narrowing of the airways and reduced capacity for airflow. Should you suspect that your horse or pony has a respiratory disorder, you should consult your veterinarian who will perform appropriate diagnostic techniques to determine what the problem is. As is the case for most allergic disorders, the best way to treat COPD is to avoid contact with the potential allergens. In many cases, however, owners are unable or unwilling to institute such changes in management and the stable environment has to be modified. In many cases, however, owners are unable or unwilling to institute such changes in management and the stable environment has to be modified.
Good ventilation is important in all equine accommodation, but vital for the COPD patient.
There is rarely any indication to close the top door of a loose box. Even good hay can contain millions of mould spores and horses affected by COPD should ideally be fed substitutes for hay as described above. If this is not possible, then the best quality hay should be fed after soaking it thoroughly in water. Due to the difficulty of soaking a full hay net completely, this generally means submerging the hay in water for some time, often several hours. Whilst there is evidence that this may reduce the nutritional value of the hay somewhat, I have never come across a patient who lost weight as a result of feeding wet hay.