Equine Respiratory Services in Citrus Heights
Respiratory issues are common in horses, and they can have a serious impact on the equine’s overall health and performance if not treated promptly.
Our Citrus Heights-based practice specializes in treating respiratory issues in equine. Our highly-trained staff combined decades of experience with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure your horse is getting the best treatment possible. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment.
Why Choose Family Friends Veterinary Hospital for Your Horse’s Respiratory Needs
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinarians are well-versed in treating equine respiratory issues such as equine asthma, strangles, viral infections, bacterial pneumonia, and more.
Our team conducts specialized diagnostic testing and respiratory evaluations, such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function tests to properly diagnose and develop a personalized treatment plan for each animal. Additionally, our team continuously practices advanced training and education to ensure they’re staying up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices for treating equine.
We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
Respiratory Services We Offer at Our Citrus Heights Equine Hospital
We offer a variety of services for horses suffering from respiratory issues in Citrus Heights, such as:
Endoscopic examinations
Pulmonary function testing
Nebulizer and inhalation therapy setups
Allergy testing and management
Thoracic ultrasound and radiography
Exercise endoscopy
Lab work when needed
Asthma diagnosis and management
Lungworm testing
Common Equine Respiratory Conditions
Heaves (Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO):
A common allergic disease similar to asthma in humans. It is also sometimes referred to as equine asthma.
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH):
Bleeding in the lungs, commonly seen in racehorses.
Pneumonia:
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in a horse’s lungs.
Strangles:
A highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses.
Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps:
Conditions that affect a horse’s nasal passages. Sinusitis is an infection, while nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths.
Pleuropneumonia:
A severe lung infection often caused by long-distance transport.
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD):
Airway inflammation that can affect a horse’s performance.
Guttural Pouch Mycosis:
A fungal infection that can damage the guttural pouch and cause a life-threatening hemorrhage.
Laryngeal Hemiplegia (Roaring):
Paralysis of the laryngeal nerve, leading to airway obstruction.
Equine Influenza:
A viral respiratory infection causing fever, cough, and nasal discharge.
Treatment Options for Equine Respiratory Conditions in Citrus Heights
If your equine is suffering from a respiratory disease or infection, we offer a variety of treatment options and medications to improve their overall health profile. Our individualized care plans are created based on each horse’s specific diagnosis, age, and activity level. We develop a medication plan and environmental plan that best suits their needs so your horse can return to full performance as quickly as possible.
Additionally, we also offer post-care treatment and rehabilitation when necessary. This can include repeat endoscopy, pulmonary function testing and monitoring, respiratory therapy, and nutritional support.
Payment Options for Respiratory at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Respiratory. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Respiratory Services
Common symptoms of respiratory issues in horses include coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, lethargy, flared nostrils, wheezing or abnormal breathing, and decreased performance/reluctance to exercise. If you notice any of those signs in your animal, contact our office today to set up an appointment.
Endoscopic exams allow veterinarians to visually inspect the upper airway, trachea, and guttural pouches. This can help with diagnosing issues such as roaring, guttural pouch infections, soft plate displacement, and tracheal collapse.
Allergies in horses can lead to equine asthma or RAO. Horses frequently experience allergic reactions from weeds, grasses, mold, dust, pollen, or insects such as gnats or spiders.
Book an Appointment at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
