Horse with breathing problem -- what is best to help him?

[Lord_Helpus]

No, not Goober. This is Petey who I have started to ride. Back when he was a puppy, he had a tieback at Rood and Riddle. When that failed after several years, he had laser surgery at Marion duPont Scott Equine Med. Center. For many years he was 90% fine (except that he cannot whinny — it is so sad. ).

He is now having yet another return to work. But this time his breathing is labored and he has a dry cough.

My goal for him is low level jumping (8 jumps at a time) or low level dressage (3 - 4 minutes at a time)… Petey is capable of much more, but I will be happy just to get in the ring again.

What can I do to make breathing easier for him?

[CanteringCarrot]

I’d probably talk with your vet. An endoscopy may be needed to look at the condition of everything in there.

Otherwise their are various breathing suppleness or simple additives such as Black Cumin Oil to help soothe and/or open airways.

But I really don’t think anything will cure this without an exam and carefully planned fitness program afterward.

[luvmyhackney]

Depends on what is causing the issue. MSM reduces any inflammation. It could be that the laser surgery failed or something else is causing the issue. Since I think you are in NC, does he have any allergies?

[BroncoMo]

@Lord Helpus Curious if he is roaring again? I just had tieback surgery on a horse done at Rood and Riddle and needless to say, I am paranoid about it not working. Though I’ve been reassured by several people that the vet is THE upper airway guy in the country. So I am curious if something about the surgery has failed and he is roaring again? Or if asked above, maybe allergies?

[KnockedOut]

I don’t know whether it’s applicable for his specific issues related to breathing, but I tried the SmartBreathe Ultra from SmartPak, and I think that in combination with exercise has really improved the respiratory recovery rate in my mare. Then again, she’s a bit heave-y as compared to your guy who has a different issue.

But could be worth a shot! Best of luck!

[kiwichick]

def have scoped.
My horse had all these symptoms, noisy congested breathing and a cough which he had for years, and he had a sinus issue actually. He has a soft pallet too, but none of that was causing the issues I was experiencing, despite it looking like a clear cut case of asthma. Everyone was shocked.