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==Description==

==Description==

Summer Pasture-Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction(SPA-RAO) is an inflammatory condition of the lower airways affecting pasture-kept horses. This is in contrast to Recurrent Airway Obstruction that affects horses that are stabled and fed hay. The disease is characterised by airway inflammation, increased airway mucus production, reduced mucociliary clearance and bronchoconstriction. The disease occurs most commonly in the South of the United States.

Summer Pasture-Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction(SPA-RAO) is an inflammatory condition of the lower airways affecting pasture-kept horses. This is in contrast to Recurrent Airway Obstruction that affects horses that are stabled. The disease is characterised by airway inflammation, increased airway mucus production, reduced mucociliary clearance and bronchoconstriction. It occurs most commonly in the South of the United States but has also been reported in the United Kingdom.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

The average age of onset of SPA-RAO is 9 years of age. There is no reported sex predilection but Quarter Horses are overrepresented.

The average age of onset of SPA-RAO is 9 years of age. There is no reported sex predilection but Quarter Horses are over-represented.

==Pathogenesis==

==Pathogenesis==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis is usually pased on the characteristic clinical signs combined with a history of seasonal occurrence and exposure to pasture during late spring or summer. Endoscopy may be used in order to evaluate the airways and to examine the presence of inflammation or mucus. A sample of the mucus may be taken in order to perform bacterial culture or cytology.  

Diagnosis is usually based on the characteristic and seasonal appearance of clinical signs combined with a history of exposure to pasture during late spring or summer. Endoscopy may be used in order to evaluate the airways and to examine the presence of inflammation or mucus. A sample of the mucus may be taken in order to perform bacterial culture or cytology. Thoracic radiology is not commonly performed but may reveal in increased bronchointerstitial pattern.

==Treatment and management==

==Treatment and management==

Affected horses should only be allowed access to pasture during late autumn, winter and early spring. If hay appears to act as a trigger to the horse, a complete pelleted diet may be fed or alternatively hay should be soaked. Alfalfa has been previously associated with less respiratory problems than grass hay and may be preferable.  

Affected horses should only be allowed access to pasture during late autumn, winter and early spring. They should ideally be kept stabled in a dust-free environment such as a stable with rubber matting and no bedding. If hay appears to act as a trigger to the horse, a complete pelleted diet may be fed or alternatively hay should be soaked. Alfalfa has been previously associated with less respiratory problems than grass hay and may be preferable.

 

Antibiotics may be required if seconday bacterial infection is present.

==References==

==References==

*McGorum, B. C., Edward Robinson, N., Dixon, P. M., Schumacher, J. (2007) '''Equine respiratory medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''   

*McGorum, B. C., Edward Robinson, N., Dixon, P. M., Schumacher, J. (2007) '''Equine respiratory medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''