Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Geriatric Horses and Ponies
Authors: Ireland J.L., Christley R.M., McGowan C.M., Clegg P.D., Pinchbeck G.L.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Respiratory disease in older horses represents a substantial welfare concern, yet many owners fail to recognise or report clinical signs to their veterinarian, resulting in significant under-diagnosis. Ireland and colleagues surveyed 285 geriatric horses and ponies (median age 23.3 years) from the British population using a validated risk-screening questionnaire (RSQ) alongside detailed questions about management and respiratory history, revealing that whilst only 10.5% had received a formal RAO diagnosis, the apparent prevalence based on questionnaire scoring was considerably higher at 20.7%—suggesting that roughly twice as many animals were displaying signs consistent with recurrent airway obstruction without veterinary recognition. Three key risk factors emerged from their multivariable analysis: intensive ridden exercise of four or more days per week (odds ratio 3.64), farm-based residence compared to home premises (odds ratio 4.99), and recent respiratory infection within the preceding 12 months (odds ratio 4.87), with coughing in the past year being the most commonly reported clinical sign at 27.0%. These findings diverge importantly from risk profiles established in younger populations, suggesting that management and disease aetiology in geriatric horses warrant distinct clinical consideration. For practitioners working with older equines, heightened awareness of subtle respiratory signs and proactive screening may uncover significant disease burden currently being missed, with particular attention to exercise intensity, housing environment, and infection history when assessing geriatric respiratory function.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Owner-reported coughing (27%) is common in aged horses but frequently goes undiagnosed—veterinarians should actively screen geriatric patients with respiratory questionnaires rather than waiting for owner complaints
- •High-exercise geriatric horses and those living on farms represent higher-risk groups for RAO; these owners should be counselled on early signs and management strategies to minimize dusty hay exposure
- •Recent respiratory infections predispose to RAO development; post-infection monitoring and prevention protocols are warranted in older horses
Key Findings
- •RAO prevalence was 20.7% by risk-screening questionnaire but only 10.5% had veterinary diagnosis, indicating substantial under-diagnosis in geriatric horses
- •Ridden exercise ≥4 days/week increased RAO risk 3.64-fold compared to no exercise
- •Farm residence increased RAO risk 4.99-fold versus owner's home premises
- •Recent respiratory infection (past 12 months) increased RAO risk 4.87-fold