Efficacy of dexamethasone, salbutamol, and reduced respirable particulate concentration on aerobic capacity in horses with smoke-induced mild asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mild asthma in horses decreases racing performance and impairs gas exchange. The efficacy of treatment on performance is unknown.

Hypothesis

Treatment targeting lung inflammation improves V ˙ O₂ peak in horses with mild asthma.

Animals

Thoroughbred polo horses (n = 12) with smoke-induced mild asthma. Horses were exposed to increased ambient particulate matter (35.51 μg/m³ [PM_2.5 ]; day mean, centrally measured) from day -33 to 0, from bushfire smoke (natural model).

Methods

Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. All horses completed 3 V ˙ O₂ peak tests, measuring aerobic and anaerobic variables: day 0 -baseline; day 16 -after dexamethasone (20 mg IM q24h; DEX, n = 6) o

SUBMITTER: Bond SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7096652 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature