3 If bronchospasm persists, the airways narrow and the horse can only breathe with difficulty. What measures can be taken if the horse has airway problems? Before changing husbandry or other conditions, we recommend consulting the veterinarian. This is the only way to ensure that the environment the horse lives in can be included in the diagnosis. Irrespective of this, it has been shown in many cases that even simple measures - like those listed below - can have a positive effect on the horse's state of health. • Humidification of dry, dusty hay • Use of high quality roughage • Sufficient fresh air in the stables with simultaneous avoidance of draughts • Use of dust-free bedding • Sufficient daily exercise for your horse • Avoidance of dust during stable work • Effective inhalation through ultrasound devices with high nebuliser output The right inhalation as a targeted therapy for airway diseases in horses Unfortunately, a change in husbandry conditions is not always enough. To loosen the stuck mucus, one of the most effective treatment methods is inhalation. However, not all inhalations are the same. A wide variety of systems and products are available, from saline chambers and mesh inhalators to highly effective dual-chamber ultrasonic nebulisers. Due to the large number of products on the market, the following checklist will help you to choose the right device: Inhaled quantity per time unit The enormous size of the horse's lung requires a correspondingly large amount of inhaled inhalation solution. Whether a lot or a little inhalation solution reaches the horse's lungs depends on the device and its technology. Therefore, when buying an inhalator, make sure that between 10 to 15 ml/min of inhalation mist is produced. Particle size of the inhalation solution In order to achieve optimal wetting of the lungs and alveoli, it must be possible for the inhalation device to produce particles with a size between 0.5 and a maximum of 6 µm in diameter. Effective inhalation by the horse The nebulised inhalation solution can be inhaled/exhaled by the horse without loss due to a well-fitting and closing mask. This ensures effective inhalation. The chimney effect enhances optimised inhalation. Suitability for many inhalation solutions Due to the many preparations and medications available on the market, the inhalator should be compatible with as many agents as possible in order to be able to use it for all therapeutic measures. Dual-chamber cold nebulisation Ultrasound technology, and those with a dual-chamber system, ensures the nebulisation of all inhalation solutions that can be combined with water. Frequency of maintenance and care The inhalation device should be easy to use and maintain and, if possible, should be maintenance-free or at least require little maintenance. Filters or similar objects that have to be replaced after each treatment increase the maintenance costs.
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