The horse's respiratory system is large and complex, precisely suited to provide the right amount of oxygen for both ordinary and extreme conditions. It begins at the large nostrils that can expand to take in large amounts of air when the horse, a prey animal, has that "need for speed," and lined with a sophisticated defense system to keep out dust and airborne pathogens like bacteria and fungal spores.
The intake of air starts at the nostrils and moves through a long network of thin bones called turbinates. From there, it moves through the sinuses, located in the front part of the skull, and into the main airway, the trachea. At its lower end inside the chest, the trachea splits into two branches (one to each lung), which then subdivide many times until reaching the air sacs in the lungs, where oxygen is transported into the bloodstream.
The respiratory system resembles an upside-down tree, where the nostrils are the roots, the trachea is the trunk, and the branches (airways) multiply and get smaller (from large bronchi to tiny bronchioles) until reaching the leaves (air sacs), where gas exchange with the air takes place.
The respiratory tract is lined with specialized cells that perform many functions. The nostrils are lined with skin, which becomes a moist mucous membrane as it progresses inward. Olfactory cells that sense odor are numerous in the turbinates. Much of the tract is also lined with cilia. The nasal passages and sinuses warm and moisten the air as it flows toward the lungs, while the mucus and cilia trap small particles. The cilia move rhythmically to move mucus and particles upward and outward. The horse will then blow (snort) or cough to force these particles out of the system. These normal defenses help keep the lungs safe and healthy.
Infection-fighting white blood cells are also found along the respiratory tract as well as deep inside the lungs. These cells are crucial for defense against viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. However, they also cause inflammation that, left untreated, can lead to development of serious lung disease.
Since most of our horses no longer run wild in the great outdoors, good environmental management is needed to keep lung disease from developing. If your horse is stabled, make sure the barn has excellent ventilation, and keep doors, half-doors, and windows open as much as possible. If the weather is cold, it is better to blanket the horse than to close off sources of fresh air. Good stable hygiene (frequent removal of damp or soiled bedding) is also important.
All feeds should, of course, be as clean and as high quality as possible. It's best if hay is stored away from horse stalls and kept as dry as possible to prevent mold growth.While stalls are being cleaned, the horse should be removed to an outdoor run or other secure area until the dust settles.
These simple precautions will help keep your horse safe and sound and performing at its best!
Trivia: Here's a little respiratory trivia for you...Quarter horses got their name because they are extremely fast runners for 1/4 of a mile. They're even faster than Thoroughbreds, but only for that distance. Why 1/4 mile? Because that's how far they can run on one breath. Other breeds, as well as horses running for longer distances, take more breaths, and it slows them down. By not taking a breath, Quarter horses can put 100% of their energy into running; but once they run out of oxygen from that first breath, the effort of breathing slows down their pace. Now that's the ultimate sprinter!
Dr. Jean Hofve is a retired holistic veterinarian with a special interest in herbal therapy for horses; find her herbal respiratory system support at http://www.equinawellness.com Dr. Hofve aso founded Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies for Animals http://www.spiritessence.com in 1995; and it remains the only line of flower essence formulas designed by a veterinarian. She is a certified Medicine Woman of the Nemenhah Native American Traditional Organization who uses holistic remedies as a part of body-mind-spiritual healing
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