Effects of Bedding Material on Equine Lower Airway Inflammation: A Crossover Study Comparing Peat and Wood Shavings.
Authors: Mönki Jenni, Saastamoinen Markku, Karikoski Ninja, Rajamäki Minna, Raekallio Marja, Junnila Jouni, Särkijärvi Susanna, Norring Marianna, Valros Anna, Oranen Ben Fatma Silja, Mykkänen Anna
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Bedding Material and Equine Lower Airway Inflammation Stable bedding significantly influences respiratory health in horses, yet evidence comparing specific materials' effects on lower airway inflammation remains sparse. Finnish researchers conducted a 35-day crossover trial with 32 healthy riding school horses, collecting tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage samples via endoscopy to assess neutrophilic inflammation under wood shavings versus peat bedding. Wood shavings produced substantially higher neutrophil percentages in both tracheal wash samples (P = 0.004–0.040) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.001) compared to peat, though neither bedding triggered visible respiratory signs or altered tracheal mucus scores in these clinically healthy animals. For practitioners managing horses with equine asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this finding suggests peat bedding may reduce subclinical airway inflammation and warrants consideration as a preferential choice, particularly in cases where environmental triggers contribute to disease progression or exacerbation.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •For horses with equine asthma or recurrent airway inflammation, consider switching from wood shavings to peat bedding to reduce lower airway neutrophilic response
- •Bedding material selection has measurable effects on airway inflammation markers even in healthy horses; this effect will likely be more pronounced in asthmatic individuals
- •Respiratory rate and visible mucus scores may not be sensitive indicators of bedding-related airway inflammation—cytological examination provides more definitive assessment
Key Findings
- •Wood shavings bedding resulted in significantly higher tracheal wash neutrophil percentage compared to peat (P = 0.040 and P = 0.0045)
- •Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophil percentage was significantly higher with wood shavings versus subsequent peat period (P < 0.001)
- •No differences were found in respiratory rate or tracheal mucus score between bedding types
- •Peat bedding caused less neutrophilic lower airway inflammation than wood shavings in healthy adult horses