Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
"In the majority of cases, COPD is caused by an "allergy" or hypersensitivity to mould spores found in the horse"s environment. These spores are of respirable size, that is to say, with diameters of 0.5-5.0 mm (1mm is equal to a thousandth of a millimeter). They penetrate the defenses of the upper airways and reach the small airways in the lungs. Although one does not usually perform tests to determine the individual species of spores to which a patient is allergic, it appears likely that in the majority of cases there is a multiple allergy to many individual species. The clinical signs of COPD arise due to the responses of the respiratory tract to challenge by allergens (allergy inducing particles). These responses take three main forms; inflammation of the airway walls, excess mucus production and broncho-spasm (narrowing of the airways due to contraction of the muscles in their walls). The net effect of these processes is a narrowing of the airways and reduced capacity for airflow."
I have had really good luck using MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for allergies. She might want to try that on her horse if the COPD is indeed, allergy based. It sure has done wonders for my old Scottie terriers skin condition and my ragweed pollen allergy. Worth a try. Also, note that sometimes it is a bit hard to know what the optimal dosage is and it may take some experimentation.
As far as herbs, one may want to investigate lobelia inflata, indian cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) and a number of other plants that might aid in allergies, i.e. stinging nettle, etc.
Lastly, some very exciting reports have been circulating that LDN or "Low dose naltrexone" has been very helpful in humans to relieving COPD. The same might hold true for the equine. Worth a try! It might be beneficial to use in conjunction with above herbs and MSM.
|