Changes

==Treatment and management==

==Treatment and management==

Control of environmental exposure is essential in horses affected by SPA-RAO. 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.

Control of environmental exposure is essential in horses affected by SPA-RAO. 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.

In some cases, the response to environmental management may be significant and drug treatment may not be required. In other cases, drug therapy may be required to suffiently manage the clinical signs. Corticosteroids may be administered via nebuslisation using an inhaler in order to allow the maximum concentration of the drug in the respiratory tract, with minimal systemic side effects. This can be combined with a bronchodilator such as clenbuterol. Antibiotics may be required if seconday bacterial infection is present.

 

In some cases, the response to environmental management may be significant and drug treatment may not be required. In more severe cases, drug therapy may be required to suffiently manage the horse's condition. Corticosteroids may be administered via nebuslisation using an inhaler in order to allow the maximum concentration of the drug in the respiratory tract, with minimal systemic side effects. This can be combined with a bronchodilator such as clenbuterol. Antibiotics may be required if seconday bacterial infection is present.

   

   

==References==

==References==