Emphysema in Horses - Chronic Coughing

What Solutions Can Help Relieve a Horse with Emphysema?

The earlier equine emphysema is identified, the sooner appropriate measures can be implemented to relieve the horse and prevent respiratory crises that may worsen the animal’s condition. Recurrent bronchial obstruction can often be reduced through simple daily management adjustments and an adapted diet.

To achieve meaningful improvement in the horse’s respiratory health, it is essential to combine medical care with proper environmental management aimed at improving overall comfort and living conditions.

Environmental management

If the horse lives in a stable, it should be turned out as often as possible, ideally daily, to ensure access to fresh air and reduce exposure to indoor irritants. Bedding choice is also important: wood shavings are preferred over straw, as they produce less dust.

Stable ventilation must be optimal to ensure constant air renewal. If the horse is housed in a shared stable, all stalls should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of manure and the release of irritant gases such as ammonia, which can severely affect the respiratory system.

Feeding adjustments

While pasture grazing is not always possible year-round, hay is commonly used as the main forage source. However, in horses with emphysema, hay should be soaked or replaced with wrapped/low-dust forage to significantly reduce dust exposure.

Certain equine phytotherapy supplements, such as those from Arbalou Soins, can provide targeted support for respiratory conditions. Balms, syrups, essential oils, and herbal blends are designed to help ease breathing and reduce sensitivity to allergens.

Products such as Arbalou Herbal Cough and Arbalou Chroniccough are specifically formulated to support horses, ponies, and donkeys suffering from emphysema and chronic cough.

A consistent daily management routine aimed at reducing dust, allergens, and pollen—combined with appropriate nutritional support—can significantly improve respiratory comfort in horses.

In cases of severe respiratory crisis, veterinary intervention is essential in order to provide rapid medical treatment and relieve the horse as quickly as possible.