Horses evolved to thrive on wide open plains, their respiratory tracts designed for exerting maximum performance when fleeing predators. This bears little or no resemblance to the modern domesticated horse kept in enclosed environments and often asked to work in them too!
Stabling horses makes it difficult to avoid contact with airborne irritants, such as dust and fungal spores often abundant in hay, bedding and riding surfaces. Some horses are highly reactive to these irritants which upon inhalation can irritate the delicate lung tissue creating a cough reflex in the first instance. This may then develop into something more serious, often leading to respiratory distress that can inhibit performance in affected horses. It must also be remembered that in the spring and summer month's similar symptoms can be brought on by high pollen counts. In most cases management will play an important role in dealing with the matter, however, great support can also be gained through nutritional support.
Traditionally Garlic has been fed to horses to support the health of their lungs. A study at Cambridge Veterinary School, investigating the effect of garlic on bacteria isolated from Thoroughbreds, found that garlic appears to have an inhibitory effect on the specific bacterial strains that can be detrimental to the equine respiratory system. When choosing garlic ensure that whole cloves are used, not just extracts. American garlic is produced using only the clove, which renders it the strongest available and hence the most economical to feed on a cost per day basis. Alternative cheaper versions of garlic may be produced from the whole garlic plant, therefore they are weaker in concentration. Other herbs useful to lung health include capsicum, thought to support mucocillary response, and Althea (marshmallow) which provides mucilage, which forms a protective layer over mucous membranes and respiratory tissue, thus soothing any irritation.
Repeated assault to the lungs can cause significant tissue degradation and if breathing starts to become laboured in any way veterinary advice should be sought. There are veterinary prescribed drugs that will help to ease the condition, although some of these substances may not be suitable for long-term use or not permissible under the rules of competition. For these reasons once the condition has been brought under control, a natural approach is often sought.
Recent research on equine respiratory disorders recommends supplementing the diet with antioxidants to help mop up and flush out the excess toxins that accumulate in the challenged tissues. This encourages the removal of unwanted, often deep seated 'muck' and congestion from within the lungs. However, it is recognised that not all antioxidants will be effective on all horses. To combat this a complex blend, such as those found in Respirator, must be fed to cater for all needs. The antioxidants used in this formula are naturally sourced as these are more efficient than their man-made synthetic counterparts.
It must be remembered that not only does coughing directly impair performance the reflex itself will lead to further degradation of the lung tissue. To help protect the airways from the ill effects of dust and spores that can become airborne when the horse is being ridden, it is often useful to give the horse a linctus type product immediately prior to exercise. For this purpose, NAF developed Kof-Eze, a palatable soothing syrup containing teatree oil, peppermint and lemon. These ingredients help to relax the airways whilst offering the benefits of their natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties.
