Equine Recurrent Airway Obstruction (Heaves)

RespiratoryEquineNew

Key Points

Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a chronic, non-infectious respiratory condition caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled dust and environmental allergens
- Part of the equine asthma syndrome, which includes mild-moderate asthma (inflammatory airway disease) and severe asthma (RAO)
Commonly known as ‘heaves‘ which refers to hypertrophy of abdominal muscles creating a visible “heave line” due to the increased respiratory effort
Clinical signs include chronic coughing, exercise intolerance, expiratory effort and nasal discharge
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and cytology to confirm neutrophilic inflammation
Environmental management is the mainstay of treatment but corticosteroids and bronchodilators are used to control inflammation and relieve bronchoconstriction
RAO is a lifelong condition as no treatment eliminates the underlying hypersensitivity

Differential Diagnoses

Equine influenza
Bacterial pneumonia
Laryngeal hemiplegia
Epiglottic entrapment

Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →