What are the signs of COPD in horses?
Horses with COPD will often “heave” to expel air out of the lungs towards the end of exhaling. A wheezing sound at the end of exhalation may also be detected. Coughing, weight loss, lack of energy and intolerance towards exercise are also signs of COPD. Sometimes, a horse with COPD may have a mucopurulent nasal discharge (composed of mucus and inflammatory cells), particularly following exercise. The abdominal muscles of horses with COPD may enlarge and form “heave lines.
