XL Vets equine factsheets

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is an environmentallyinduced, non-infectious, non-contagious inflammatory airway disease of horses. The disease was previously termed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or broken wind and is also known as ‘heaves’ or ‘equine asthma’. It occurs when a horse develops an allergy to inhaled fungal spores. It is a disease primarily of the stabled horse and it is uncommon in young horses. The most important treatment is modification of the environment to reduce exposure to hay and straw. Such a change can reduce inflammation and improve airway function within a few days. When environmental management is insufficient, medication can improve lung function.