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Equine Ailments - A to Z
Wind Diseases - there are two main types
1) Broken wind
2) Roaring and whistling
Broken wind - a chronic condition of the lungs, which may result in the collapse of the lungs. Caused by either strain due to over feeding before fast work or fast work when the horse is unfit. Or it may be as a result of a lung infection such as pneumonia, or it may be caused through an allergy due to fungi being present in the hay or straw.
The symptoms are - the horse has a deep hollow, persistent cough; there may be heaving of the flanks on outward breath and/or double movement; the horse may become distressed on moving and show an inability to perform fast work.
Treatment – seek professional advice. Time and rest sometimes improve the condition as the lung tissues repair. Controlled exercise and special feeding may help, consult the vet.
Roaring and whistling - abnormal noises made by the horse when in it is moving fast, caused by paralysis of one of the nerves in the larynx restricting the air passage. The condition will not cure itself once it has become established.
Treatment – The vet may suggest a surgical procedure either a Hobday operation to clear the obstruction (not always successful) or Tubing – a silver tube is inserted into the windpipe below the larynx for the horse to breathe through, it usually helps considerably.
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