Inflammatory disorders of the airway are common in horses. Until recently, the terminology for inflammatory lower airway diseases was 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 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 with strenuous work

• Longer recovery after work

• Mild watery to white nasal discharge 

• If untreated, horses can become exercise intolerant

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.

Nitrofurazone is the active antibacterial ingredient in a water-soluble base of polyethylene glycols 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.

Where to buy Throat Wash with Nitrofurazone + DMSO + Dexamethasone

Nitrofurazone + DMSO + Dexamethasone is available in the U.S. through several pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

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.