Two cost-effective and non-invasive ways of monitoring respiratory disease in horses have been developed in a research project at the University of Glasgow.
Cough frequency provides a good indication of respiratory inflammation - the more inflammation, the more the horse coughs. However, it is often not practical or cost-effective for a person to physically count the number of times a horse coughs over an extended period.
The research team, led by Professor Sandy Love, developed a technique that allows vets to easily monitor the frequency of coughing in a horse over a long period of time with a high degree of accuracy.
The method uses a digital audio recorder attached to the head collar to monitor cough frequency.
In a study to test the value of the technique, they compared audio recordings, each lasting one hour, with simultaneous video recordings. A total of nine recordings were collected from seven stabled horses.
The graph of the audio file could then be examined to identify coughs. One hour could be analysed in three minutes.
When they compared the audio and video recordings, the researchers found that every cough was correctly identified, and no extraneous noises, such as foot stamping, were mistaken for coughs.
The researchers point out that the speed of the analysis could be increased further by using computer software to automate analysis.
The research also led to the development of a simple device that could be attached to the horse's head collar to collect expired moisture. It was used in a study to see whether any of the constituents of exhaled breath could be used as indicators of respiratory inflammation.
The researchers found that the most useful indicator was the pH of the liquid condensed from the expired breath. There was trend toward a reduced pH (acidification) in horses with lower airway inflammation.
The concentration of gases such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and ethane was also measured, but the researchers found no correlation between these substances and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
The components of the device are readily available in do-it-yourself stores.
Both techniques were well tolerated by horses and ponies and could be used safely and ethically on repeated occasions.
At present, repeated endoscopic examinations may be used to monitor the progress of respiratory disease. These techniques would promote a simpler way of monitoring respiratory health.
They could be easily produced commercially and would give a quick way of monitoring respiratory inflammation in horses.
They would allow objective assessment of whether or not the horse was responding to a particular course of treatment.
The work was made possible by funding from The Horse Trust. Paul Jepson, chief executive and veterinary director of trust, said: "We are delighted that the research we have funded has led to new, non-invasive ways of monitoring respiratory inflammation in horses.
"These techniques could have a major impact on horse welfare by improving the diagnosis and treatment of this common condition."
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