CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY-TRACT

Chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, including infections, are among the medical conditions that are encountered most frequently by equine practitioners. The correct use of antibiotics is essential to the treatment of horses with bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. Practitioners have access to many adjunctive therapeutic drugs for hastening the clinical response or enhancing the outcome of cases of respiratory disease. Although some of the available agents are beneficial, some drugs lack substantial support. This column considers bronchodilators, corticosteroids, expectorant and mucolytic agents, and other agents (i.e., sodium cromoglycate and immunostimulants) that are used to manage chronic diseases of the respiratory tract in horses.