Summer Pasture-Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction
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(SPA-RAO)
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This article is still under construction. |
Also known as: Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Summer Pasture-Associated Heaves
Description
Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (SPA-RAO) is a disease affecting horses kept at pasture (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 and bronchoconstriction.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of the disease is largely unknown but it suggested hypotheses include inhaled pollens or outdoor moulds and ingestion of a pasture-derived pneumotoxin.
- Airway inflammation and clinical signs similar to stabling-associated COPD/RAO, but occurs in horses kept out at pasture during the summer months.
- Presumed to be similar pathogenesis to stabling-associated COPD/RAO
- Allergens likely to be plant pollens and plant-associated fungal spores
- Horses often have concurrent stabling-associated COPD so management can be very difficult!
References
- McGorum, B. C., Edward Robinson, N., Dixon, P. M., Schumacher, J. (2007) Equine respiratory medicine and surgery Elsevier Health Sciences