Horse Heaves 'aka' COPD

This is an older mare 27 YOA who was under a Vets care for COPD aka Heaves. She was taking large doses of steroids (Dex) and Albuterol daily for several months. The Condition became more severe even with medication and since we could not stabilize it she was humanely euthanized September 15, 2009. You may also notice a blue haze over the eyes due to cataracts being formed due to the steroids.

In the Video you will see the classic abdominal breathing that is employed during this condition. You will see a Buckskin mare who is breathing normally and then backs off. The Sorrel mare 'Ginger' also has flared nostrils as she attempts to get air into her system. Her breathing is not due to recent running and she is not sweaty, it was misting/light rain and all the horses had just finished their morning grain.

Heaves is nothing to joke about and the condition can quickly worsen. This particular mare has been under going treatment for the past few years and the only time it showed it self was in the hot, dry, dusty summers of Texas. She was on 50 acres, never stalled, free choice grass and clean fertilized hay.

She will be missed.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horese
• equine
• heaves
• copd
• heavy breathing

[Rafale261]

Antoher way to find out that she has heaves its not only by the flank but if you notice we see its breathing line ! Poor horse at least she is beter were she is now !

[BlazinMustang79]

aww what happened too her :(

[mido851114]

am sorry 4 her :(