Can Horses get Hayfever?

 increased breathing effort is seen in some horses kept at pasture during the summer months. It is believed to be associated with hypersensitivity of the horse to inhaled allergens: like pollens, or moulds, that are present on or around grasses. SPAOPD is very similar to RAO. In fact, it is also known as Summer Pasture-associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction (SPARAO, which is even harder to pronounce!). Like in RAO/Equine Asthma, the airway inflammation and secretions again make it difficult for the horse to breathe normally. This leads to the clinical signs of coughing and altered breathing patterns that we associate with both diseases. In fact, some horses can suffer from both conditions. 

SPAOPD and RAO are diagnosed based on the horse’s signs, the results of an endoscopic examination (where a camera is used to look at the airways in detail), and examination of the airway secretions. In some cases, the airways can be so inflamed as to become infected secondarily by bacteria or viruses. This can make the horse unwell, cause a fever and worsen their breathing.

The treatment for SPAOPD involves preventing the horse from being exposed to the causative allergen(s). In most cases, this means transferring the horse to a well-ventilated stable for the summer months, instead of keeping him at pasture. As in RAO, many horses will need additional treatment with anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators (to widen the constricted airways). This is to help them breathe easier and more comfortably, especially in the acute phases. 

Other things…

Other causes of airway inflammation, as well as upper and lower respiratory tract infections with viruses and bacteria, can also occur. These might +make it appear that the horse has hayfever because he’ll often have a cough or a runny nose. But really the cause is very different. Infections are generally associated with swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, depression, reduced appetite, and, often, copious discharge from the nose. SPAOPD might be suspected from the time of year or the horse’s environment. But it’s important to distinguish between the various different causes of coughing or laboured breathing, in order to ensure that your horse gets the appropriate treatment he needs to get better. 

If you notice that he’s coughing, has nasal discharge, or is showing any change in his normal breathing pattern, then give your vet a call to have him checked out.