Fired Up About Horses and Wildfire Smoke

Episode Hosts: Cass Bouse-Eaton, Sara Wist, Danielle Weaver

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Anna Fagre, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Episode Details:

Welcome to the Horse Episode! At the time of production, in the fall of 2020, the fires in Colorado were in our thoughts. Therefore, in this episode, we focus on the effects of smoke inhalation on horses, compare it to dust inhalation in the American Southwest, and look at management practices which equestrians can use to manage these conditions in their loyal steeds, with help from a few veterinary specialists. We also look at normal anatomy and physiology of horses and look into the literature available on smoke inhalation and dust in horses. Long story short, inhalations of particulates in dust and smoke can cause respiratory problems in horses, and the best ways to avoid those issues are to mitigate dust and smoke in the horses’ environment, as much as possible. Finally, for those who would like to help out equids (and their humans) who are suffering from wildfires and other difficulties, we talk about the AAEP Foundation, a philanthropic and volunteer organization. We hope you find this episode informative and enjoyable!

Special Guests:

• Dr. Katie Seabaugh, an Equine Sports Medicine Veterinarian at Colorado State University
• Dr. Karla Lombana, an Equine Veterinarian in Tucson, Arizona

References:

• Frandson RD, Wilke WL, Fails AD. “Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals” (7e)
• Bond SL, Greco-Otto P, MacLeod J,Galezowski A, Bayly W, Léguillette R. Efficacy of dexamethasone, salbutamol, and reduced respirable particulate concentration on aerobic capacity in horses with smoke-induced mild asthma. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34:979–985. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15696BOND ET AL. 985
• Ivester KM, Couetil LL, Zimmerman NJ. Investigating the Link between Particulate Exposure and Airway Inflammation in the Horse. J Vet Intern Med. 2014;28:1653-1665. DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12458