The Piedra Foundation is an all-volunteer charitable organization created by a group of horsemen and veterinarians to promote continuing equine health education, to fund applied equine medical research, and to provide animaltarian financial assistance to owners of critically ill horses by underwriting emergency medical or surgical costs incurred for horses which would not have access to veterinary care otherwise. This year's program was designed to fit the needs of veterinarians and horse owners. Day one's topics were aimed at the veterinary practitioner and the second day's toward the horse owner. The purpose of the program was to provide updated information on important issues of selected equine diseases and medication theory and practice for the new millennium. This distinguished panel emphasized the importance of early recognition of diseases, appropriate treatment for those diseases, and proper prevention of the diseases.
Respiratory ailments are common afflictions for horses.
The causes range from the viruses and bacteria which can cause infections to elements found in the horse's environment including allergens, endotoxins, particulates, and irritant gases. The environment is especially important as a cause of respiratory distress. The conventional environment of a horse is a stall with straw on the floor and hay in a manager. The particulates found in such a scenario are at a level beyond the point where the government will allow an industrial worker to operate. Even brief exposure to a bad environment can be damaging.