最新糖心Vlog

最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide researchers are investigating the frequency of equine asthma and risk factors for its presence in horses across 最新糖心Vlog, and whether the recent bushfires have increased respiratory distress.

鈥淲e know from studies of race horses overseas that up to 57-80% of horses have a mild to moderate form of asthma and that as many as 14-20% of horses may have a severe form of asthma but we don鈥檛 currently have much information about prevalence in 最新糖心Vlog,鈥� says Dr Surita du Preez, specialist veterinarian in equine internal medicine at the 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 Equine Health and Performance Centre at its Roseworthy campus.

鈥淚f we can determine the prevalence of asthma in our horses here, and identify 最新糖心Vlogn-specific risk factors for development of equine asthma, we may be able to prevent disease development, and better manage horses that are already affected.鈥�

Asthma is one of the main causes of poor performance in horses, making them unwilling to go forward in race, sport or pleasure riding situations.

鈥淗orses have a poorly developed cough reflex and should not cough at all. If they cough it usually signifies a problem, unlike in people who have a very well developed cough reflex and may cough because of a simple throat tickle."Dr Surita du Preez, 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide equine specialist veterinarian

Dr du Preez and honours student Jewel Azaria Tan are conducting a survey of horse owners with questions about their horses鈥� health, use, and management including feeding and housing practices. They will also be asked if owners have noticed increased respiratory distress in their horses after the bushfires.

Based on the questionnaire answers, they will use a scoring system to establish the likelihood of asthma.

鈥淭he mild to moderate form of asthma can affect horses of all ages and disciplines, not just racehorses,鈥� says Dr du Preez. 鈥淚t can result in intermittent coughing or nasal discharge or both.

鈥淗orses have a poorly developed cough reflex and should not cough at all. If they cough it usually signifies a problem, unlike in people who have a very well developed cough reflex and may cough because of a simple throat tickle.

鈥淭he severe form of asthma affects middle aged to older horses and is a life-long, progressive disease which if left unmanaged can results in severe airway remodelling and obstruction to airflow, resulting in breathing difficulties.鈥�

Dr du Preez says it is unclear whether the bushfires have worsened asthma in horses.

鈥淲e hope through this survey to establish some baseline information about the numbers of horses affected by bushfires and whether the owners noticed an increase in respiratory signs.鈥�

The survey will be promoted to horse owners through equestrian associations and other groups.

Dr du Preez is also evaluating the traditional methods for diagnosing asthma in horses to determine what the gold standard of diagnosis should be. Horses with a cough and/or nasal discharge or those with poor performance are eligible for inclusion in the study. Please contact: 08 8313 1999 (choose option 2).

Participant information sheet and prize draw terms and conditions for the survey can be viewed at: