Due to the environments they occupy and the demands placed on them, inflammatory disorders of the airway are fairly common in horses. For many years, the terminology describing inflammatory lower airway diseases remained vague, making comparison of data difficult. The distinction between lower airway inflammatory disease of young horses and chronic airway inflammation was not clear and often called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is also described as mild to moderate equine asthma. It typically affects young horses (as early as one year of age). Cough, poor performance and excess mucus within the airways are common symptoms of IAD. This condition occurs in 22% to 50% of athletic horses, and is a common cause of hampered performance.

This condition differs from other equine respiratory conditions such as heaves in that affected horses typically do not show increased respiratory efforts at rest. Horses with IAD are usually alert, have good appetites and an otherwise healthy appearance.¹ However, they may display the following respiratory symptoms:

• Long-term cough (without a fever)
• Decreased performance 
• Longer recovery after exertion
• Mild watery nasal discharge 
• Increasing exercise intolerance

RAO is a disease of the smaller airways (bronchioles) of the lungs and is caused by an allergy to small dust particles (often, organic dust) and spores that are inhaled by the horse.² Allergens such as fungal spores and/or pollen are the most common factors which trigger episodes.³ The resulting allergic reaction produces fluid and thickening of the walls of the small airways of the lungs, causing their obstruction. This causes labored breathing, resulting in the horse developing a cough to clear trapped mucus.

Throat Wash (Nitrofurazone + DMSO + Dexamethasone) for Equines

Nitrofurazone is the active antibacterial ingredient that is used in the prevention or treatment of surface bacterial infections of wounds, burns, and cutaneous ulcers.⁴ It is also used to treat urinary tract infections and metritis. Nitrofurazone is often combined with other medications, such as neomycin sulfate, prednisolone, and chlorophyll for treatment of bacterial and mycotic infections, eczema, infected wounds and burns, post-operative dressing, irritation and edema. It is bactericidal for many bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.⁵

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a free radical scavenger that has anti-inflammatory, cryopreservative, anti-ischemic and radioprotective effects. The pharmacologic effects of DMSO are diverse. DMSO traps free radical hydroxide and its metabolite, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), traps free radical oxygen. It appears that these actions help to explain some of the anti-inflammatory, cryopreservative, anti-ischemic, and radioprotective qualities of DMSO.⁵

DMSO easily penetrates the skin. It serves as a carrier agent in promoting the percutaneous absorption of other compounds (including drugs and toxins) that normally would not penetrate.

Dexamethasone is a potent anti-inflammatory with therapeutic action that is used in many species. Typically, it is used in the management of various rheumatic, dermatologic, allergic and other diseases known to be responsive to anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

Dexamethasone is often used in horses with acute musculoskeletal inflammations. It also provides supportive therapy in a wide variety of cases, such as heat exhaustion, influenza, laminitis, and retained placenta, provided that the primary cause is diagnosed and corrected.⁵ Its anti-inflammatory properties have made it a useful medication in preventing and treating the effects of RAO and IAD in horses.

Where to buy Throat Wash with Nitrofurazone + DMSO + Dexamethasone

Nitrofurazone + DMSO + Dexamethasone is available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. THROAT WASH (DMSO + NITROFURAZONE + DEXAMETHASONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE), ORAL SUSPENSION, 1000ML by NexGen Pharmaceuticals is a superior solution for the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the airway in horses. It also aids in the reduction or elimination of upper and lower respiratory infections.

This product carries several potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹vetspecialists.com.

²Rush, B. Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horses. In: Merck Veterinary Manual, Jan. 2014.

³McPherson EA, Lawson GH, Murphy JR, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): identification of affected horses. Equine Vet J 1978; 10:47–53.

⁴equimed.com.

⁵Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs.