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 in a dust-free environment such as a clean 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 thoroughly soaked. Alfalfa hay has been previously associated with less respiratory problems than grass hay and may be a preferable source of roughage for affected horses. Horses with severely compromised respiratory function should be rested until their condition has improved.

Control of environmental exposure is essential in horses affected with SPA-RAO. Affected horses should only be allowed access to pasture during late autumn, winter and early spring. They should ideally be kept in a dust-free environment such as a clean stable with rubber matting and no bedding. If hay appears to act as a trigger to the horse, a complete pelleted diet can be fed or alternatively hay should be thoroughly soaked. Alfalfa hay has been previously associated with less respiratory problems than grass hay and may be a preferable source of roughage for affected horses. Horses with severely compromised respiratory function should be rested until their condition has improved.

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

In some cases, the response to environmental management may be significant and further treatment may not be required. In more severe cases, drug therapy may be required to suffiently manage the horse's condition. Corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone)are used in order to reduce airway inflammation and can be administered via nebuslisation using an inhaler in order to produce the maximum concentration of the drug in the respiratory tract. Minimal systemic side effects are induced with this mode of administration. This treatment can be combined with a bronchodilator such as clenbuterol to reduce smooth muscle contraction in the lower airways. Antibiotics may be required if seconday bacterial infection is present.

   

   

==References==

==References==