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recurrent airway obstruction

Studying the airway microbiome in horses

February 04th, 2015

Veterinary researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investigating whether certain bacterial populations in a horse’s windpipe can contribute to a respiratory disease called recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). More commonly known as heaves, RAO can be triggered by something as simple as feeding poor quality hay to a horse. Exposure to dust, mouldy hay, ammonia fumes and fungal …

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A WCVM equine lung study has confirmed that foals are born with all of their respiratory components present and functioning. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

Study sets standard for equine lung research

Val Sanford has seen firsthand the negative effects of respiratory problems on horses’ performance in the show ring and on the trail. Sanford, owner and manager of Copper T Warmblood Stables near Saskatoon, Sask., has a horse that suffers from “heaves” or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). The horse requires individualized management from feeding to exercise: it must be treated before …

March 21st, 2014 Full story »

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Healthy horses needed for respiratory study

Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are looking for healthy horses to be part of a respiratory study this summer. The study, headed by large animal medicine specialists Drs. Julia Montgomery and Katharina Lohmann, will help to set reliable reference ranges for two common tests used to diagnose and treat airway disease in horses. Questions about the two …

April 22nd, 2013 Full story »