Sadly, we tend to miss or misinterpret some of the worse warning signs of our horses experiencing respiratory troubles. Horses tend to become deficient in oxygen while indulging in sub-maximal levels of exercise — this is known as hypoxemia. Here are the factors that have a significant impact on hypoxemia:
Factors Contributing To Hypoxemia
Horses can only breathe through their nose. Unlike humans, they have no communication between the airways and oral cavity. The long-distance in the narrow airway from the nose and into the lungs makes it much harder for the column of air to move in and out. The levels of oxygen don’t experience any fluctuations during the trip, but they tend to get transferred into the bloodstream upon entering the lungs.
Additionally, horses have a higher heart rate which means that blood circulates fast without getting the opportunity to deposit the oxygen it carries. This is a significant drawback considering a horse body comprises 60 percent muscle that demands a lot of oxygen. Even though the horse’s heart can pump more blood through the condition, the performance of horses remains limited due to the insufficient supply of oxygen. This may also trigger obstruction and inflammation within the respiratory tract.
Risks Associated With Respiratory Health
Respiratory diseases in horses fall under the category of Equine Asthma. Although some horses may have a genetic predisposition for the disease, it largely remains occupational. Factors that lower immunity (such as environment and stress of exercising) tend to increase the risk of Equine Asthma. A study conducted found that 88 percent of 731 horses performed poorly due to an inflammatory airway disease, a condition readily associated with the Equine Asthma Spectrum. This problem arises due to the overexposure of horses to inhalable irritants in the barn.
Ways to Protect Your Horse
It’s essential to ensure there is ample ventilation within the barn in terms of circulation and the renewal of air. Non-renewal air may result in moisture accumulating within the barn, which, over time, fosters the growth of contaminants. If you can spot cobwebs in the barn, there isn’t enough ventilation as spiders don’t make cobwebs anywhere there’s a breeze.
Reduce the number of fine dust particles that horses can inhale only to be lodged deep within their airways and lungs. Additionally, look for signs of mold in regions where hay is stored or where urine tends to get accumulated.
The Trinity Equestrian Center is now offering spaces for horse boarding, where your horse will be cared for and administered under two qualified riders. This season we’re also welcoming on board riders of all ages and levels to indulge in custom-tailored programs for horseback riding lessons and training in show jumping. We’re located in Germantown, NY, but have extended our support to Ancram, Claverack, Chatham, Copake, Columbia County, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Tivoli. Hurry, save yourself a spot today!
