Horse respiration explained: Recognizing and dealing with respiratory problems

Reading time: 6 minutes

Your horse's breathing is essential for its health and performance. In this article, you will learn all about the anatomy of the respiratory system, the importance of respiratory rate, and common respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and COPD. You will also receive helpful tips on preventing and treating respiratory problems, including measures for a dust-free environment and first aid steps for acute complaints.

Contents

How does equine respiration work?

To better understand the horse's breathing and the function of the lungs, we have prepared a video that explains the anatomy and functioning of the entire respiratory system in detail. In the video, you will learn how air flows through the upper and lower airways and the role of gas exchange. Watch the video to learn more about the fascinating functioning of the horse's lungs and the entire respiratory process:

The horse's respiratory system can be divided into two areas:

Upper respiratory tract: This includes the nostrils, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and larynx. The inhaled air is filtered and humidified here before it enters the lower respiratory tract. During intensive breathing, the nostrils can expand - a process known as nostril puffing.
Lower respiratory tract: This includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The important gas exchange takes place in the alveoli. The horse has an enormous lung volume, which enables effective oxygen uptake - essential for its performance.

Gas exchange is a central process in which oxygen is transferred into the blood and carbon dioxide is exhaled. Efficient breathing ensures that the horse receives sufficient oxygen for cell function and energy metabolism.

Normal respiratory rate and deviations

The normal respiratory rate of a horse at rest is around 10 to 18 breaths per minute. The respiratory rate can vary slightly in breeds such as the Icelandic horse. Under stress, the breathing rate can increase to up to 240 breaths per minute.

What does the respiratory rate say?

Deviations from the normal breathing rate can indicate health problems. An increased respiratory rate at rest can indicate pain, stress, or respiratory disease, for example. Horse owners should therefore regularly check their horse's breathing rate by observing the movements of the chest or flanks and counting the number of breaths per minute.

Clear abdominal breathing is another sign of breathing problems. When the abdominal breathing of the horse the belly visibly bulges outwards during breathing, which may indicate respiratory distress or shortness of breath. It can be helpful to record a video of abdominal breathing to discuss with a vet. In the video, we show you what typical abdominal breathing looks like in a horse:

Common respiratory diseases in horses

In the following video, Dr. Wolfgang Scheidemann explains in detail what respiratory diseases there are and what measures can be taken to provide the horse with the best possible support:

There are various respiratory diseases that can affect horses:

Infectious bronchitis: An inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by viruses or bacteria, often accompanied by fever, cough, and nasal discharge.
Pneumonia (lung inflammation): A serious inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Symptoms include high fever, difficult breathing, coughing and weakness.
Laryngeal whistling (laryngeal hemiplegia): A paralysis of the laryngeal muscles that leads to whistling breathing noises. This often occurs in larger horses and can severely impair performance. In our article: "Laryngeal whistling in horses: When the sound determines health" you can find out more about this respiratory disease.
Hay dust allergy (RAO): Formerly known as dampness, this chronic condition is due to allergic reactions to dust particles, particularly from hay. Horses with RAO often have difficulty breathing out, which leads to increased abdominal breathing and a deepening of the flank muscles.
Sinusitis: An inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that often occurs as a result of an infection. Symptoms include unilateral nasal discharge, swelling of the face, and bad breath.
EIPH (Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage): Bleeding in the lungs that occurs in heavily exercised horses. A common symptom is nosebleeds after intense exertion.

Each of these diseases requires specific diagnosis and treatment. If respiratory disease is suspected, a vet should be consulted immediately to avoid complications.

Respiratory problems in horses: Symptoms and causes

Reference box

If you notice breathing problems in your horse, you can also check the mucous membranes in the horse's mouth. To do this, carefully pull the horse's lower lip down slightly. If the gums, the inside of the lips, or the tongue show a bluish or whitish discoloration, this is a sign of a lack of oxygen. In this case, you should contact a vet immediately, as this condition can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of breathing problems

Increased breathing rate: A faster breathing rhythm than normal, even at rest.
Coughing: Especially after exertion or in dusty environments.
Nasal discharge: Clear or mucous secretions, often accompanied by nasal tremors.
Strained breathing: Visible effort in breathing, possibly with sunken flanks. Significant abdominal breathing may indicate chronic breathing problems.
Poor performance: decrease in physical performance and rapid exhaustion.

In the event of such symptoms, a vet should be consulted immediately to diagnose and treat possible causes.

Common causes of breathing problems

Here are some of the most common causes of breathing problems in horses and their respective symptoms:

Cause	Description	Symptoms
Dust pollution	Horses standing on straw or eating dry hay can inhale dust, which leads to coughing.	Cough, irritated airways
Hypersensitivity	Reactions to allergens such as pollen or fungal spores irritate the airways.	Cough, shortness of breath, mucus production
Infectious	Bacteria, viruses or parasites cause inflammation in the airways.	Cough, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties
Bronchitis	Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viruses or allergic reactions to dust containing fungal spores.	Severe, moist cough, milky-yellowish nasal discharge
Dampness (COPD)	Consequence of chronic bronchitis; constricted airways due to clogged mucus.	Dry cough, wheezing breathing, visible vapor trail
Allergies	Allergic reactions to pollen or fungal spores, often in connection with existing bronchitis.	Cough, increased mucus production
Laryngitis	Inflammation of the mucous membrane due to infections or irritating substances.	Noises when breathing, yellow-white nasal discharge
Tracheitis	Inflammation of the windpipe, usually caused by viruses.	Cold-like symptoms, cough

Helping the horse with respiratory problems:

In the event of acute breathing problems, the horse should be moved immediately to a quiet, well-ventilated environment. Relieve the pressure on the neck area by loosening the girth and calm the horse. Observe the breathing rate and breathing movements. If shortness of breath or abdominal breathing is noticeable, it is advisable to consult a vet.

Prevention of respiratory diseases

A dust-free environment is essential to protect the horse's airways:

Fresh air: Make sure the horse has access to fresh air. Open stabling is ideal as it keeps the breathing rate stable.
Hay and straw: Use low-dust hay and bedding. Moisten the hay before feeding to reduce dust particles.
Herbs: Use tried and tested herbs such as marshmallow, Icelandic moss, peppermint, licorice, eucalyptus, fennel or thyme to support the horse's respiratory tract.
Regular mucking out: The horse should not stand in the stall during mucking out. Dust formation should be avoided.

Inhalation therapies as support

Inhalation therapies, in particular brine inhalation, has proven to be an effective method of supporting the horse's respiratory tract. This therapy helps to loosen mucus and facilitate breathing. In the case of chronic respiratory diseases, this treatment can promote the healing process and improve well-being.

In the following video, you will learn how to get your horse used to inhalation step by step. These instructions are particularly helpful for carrying out the therapy effectively and without stress.

The role of the muscles and the girth

The horse's breathing capacity can be impaired by external factors such as a saddle girth that is too tight or muscular tension. A saddle girth that is too tight can constrict the rib cage and make breathing difficult. Make sure that the girth is loose enough to allow you to breathe freely.

Muscular tension can also restrict breathing movements. Regular massages and physiotherapeutic measures help to relax the muscles and maximize breathing capacity.

Horse breathing: Summarized

Respiration is a complex and vital process that requires special attention in horses. A deep understanding of the anatomy and function of the respiratory system, combined with targeted care and prevention, can help to prevent respiratory diseases and maintain the horse's health and performance.

Horse owners should check their horse's breathing regularly and intervene early if there are any signs of problems. A dust-free environment, regular exercise, and therapeutic measures such as inhalation therapy can ensure the horse's long-term respiratory health.

Breathing in horses: the most important questions and answers

What to do if the horse is breathing heavily?

If your horse is breathing heavily, you should immediately move it to a quiet and well-ventilated area. Loosen the saddle girth, calm your horse and observe its breathing movements. In the event of shortness of breath or abnormal breathing, it is important to consult a vet immediately to clarify possible causes.

What does abdominal breathing in horses mean and how do I recognize it?

Abdominal breathing occurs when the horse has difficulty breathing and uses more abdominal muscles. This is often a sign of respiratory distress or chronic respiratory disease. You can recognize abdominal breathing by the fact that the horse's belly visibly bulges outwards during breathing, often with visible effort in the flank areas. In severe cases, the so-called "vapor gutter" may also become visible.

Why does my horse have abdominal breathing?

Belly breathing occurs when the horse has difficulty breathing normally. The horse uses its abdominal muscles to support breathing. This can be caused by chronic respiratory diseases, allergies, infections, or environmental influences such as dust.

What to do about abdominal breathing in horses?

If your horse shows abdominal breathing you should consult a vet immediately to find out the exact cause. To support the horse, make sure the environment is dust-free, put the horse out in the fresh air, and loosen the saddle girth. Suitable feeding, e.g. with moistened hay, can also be helpful.

Why is my horse breathing so quickly and what happens when a horse breathes quickly?

Rapid breathing can have various causes, such as stress, pain, physical exertion or respiratory diseases. If your horse breathes unusually quickly even when at rest, this is a sign of possible health problems. In this case, a vet should be consulted.

Author

Sina Schulze Clinics More FROM CMH.TV