Horses, Heat and Heaves - update and pics of new foster 8/7

[patandchickens]

As others have said, I would bet it's not so much the heat/humidity as such, as allergens that are around this time of year and in this weather (especially pollen and molds). Heaves is usually at least partly an allergy issue IME.

If you knew what she was allergic *to* it might help management -- I have actually known a few heavey horses who were best off kept totally in the barn for the few weeks when the hayfields were in bloom, because the pollen really set them off badly, but of course this would be useless for horses not allergic to grass pollen and actually counterproductive to horses allergic to barn mold spores. So if you can think and take notes and try to correlate her good days/bad days and good vs bad times of year with any likely allergens, it might be helpful in the long run.

That said, I totally agree with the others, it is a veterinary problem needing of a veterinary solution. Exactly which drugs would be useful (vs counterproductive) depends on her particular situation and I don't think it makes sense to recommend particular ones over the internet, a vet needs to see the horse and make recommendations. If finances are not too limiting, I have known probably 8-10 SEVERELY heavey horses over the years who've done quite well for quite a long while with using a puffer (mask to deliver bronchodilator drugs), to the point where I'd say it saved their lives sometimes for years. Dont' know whether that's appropriate in your case of course, but if your vet suggests it and you can afford it I have to say that I've seen it work well for others.

Best of luck,

Pat, with a moderately heavey older TB who is more likely for lamenesses to become the limiting issue than his heaves, but only because he is now on 24/7 turnout, if he were still at a boarding barn and stalled overnight the heaves would be a serious issue

 

[Lorije1]

She has been on dexamathasone for a couple of years. I have an awesome vet, and he has said bronchodilators are in her future. Double dosing with the dex and Tri Hist is not only cheaper but easier. But I am willing to do what needs.
Mostly I am just looking for tips on helping keep her cool...
My dad went out and got the old ceiling fan working again in her stall, but again, that very well could make it worse. Talking to my vet yesterday (or one of them) she said the heat and humidity are wreaking havoc on horses with respiratory troubles. Skye was very obviously in heat distress -

 

[seymore0626]

Concur with the bronchialdialators, but might add aerisol steroids. Run a CBC checking lymphocytes especially for numbers below 600 for chronic obstructive fibrotic disease, while also evaluating "green snot". Might want to look into one of the misting fans, or rig up something of that sort. Farmtech has several types/ideas.

 

[theoldchick]

Just remembered one of our clients rigged up soaking hoses-hoses that are designed to keep plants moist from the ground. This client-who had many heavey horses- rigged the hoses to hang horizontally between several trees. Once the horses got used to the hissing noise they gathered under the trees to get shade and a misting. Kept the horses out in the open, no developing mold/fungus to worry about in the barn, and the horses were happy.

 

[halo]

Ive got an older mare, also, that is having a tough time in this heat. She's also turned into a non-sweater, which hasnt helped. I keep the older ones on Thyro-L, a cheap thyroid powder that really helps them regulate themselves. I also hose them down several times a day. They come running from down back when they see me coming over, they can't wait for the hosing.

 

[friedeggs]

Try watering down the hay. To rinse out the dust. Dust in the hay can add to the heaves. Good way to get water into them as well. Just remember you'll have to replace the hay daily.
Just something to add to your regimine

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
That is a very clever way to deal with this!! Tell your client a big

 

[geebs]

Claritin... Depending on wieght... between 8 and 10 pills... Wet the hay... No alfalfa or dusty anything... Do the claritin for a day or so and it should help clear her.

 

[Lorije1]

awesome idea on the soaker hoses!! I was trying to figure out a way to put a sprinkler on a low flow, but enough to spray. I don't shut her up in the barn - too much dust, and it is just absolutely sweltering in there even with a ceiling fan and a box fan. I do lead her into the stall after I wet her down though and she stays for a while.
She loves the shade under the big pecan trees, and the breeze (if there is one) can come from any direction.

I will have to check with my vet about the Claritin.... I know I have my 14 yr old dog on it and it does wonders for him. I have to make sure Skye can have it with her other meds... or if this "Tri Hist" does the same thing as Claritin.

halo - I realized yesterday evenign that Skye had not been sweating. I was so concerned about dehydration, but her skin wasn't tenting at all.


signed - Lori at the geriatric home for dogs, cats and livestock

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I realized yesterday evenign that Skye had not been sweating. I was so concerned about dehydration, but her skin wasn't tenting at all.

Dehydration is not the only problem when they stop sweating. The big killer is their own body temp. If they get too hot they can convulse. Start monitoring that temp every few hours. With my heavey guy, when he slipped into anhydrosis as well, the vet had me inject 2-4 ml Banamine twice a day any time his body temp got close to 104 in addition to all the bathing. Sounds like you really need to get the vet involved.

HTH


Rusty​