2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Use of a modified BAL technique that includes manual syringe suction with BuscopanÃ’ administration may provide an advantage in horses with significant airway hyper-reactivity by limiting airway collapse and enhancing the diagnostic utility of BALF obtained. Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a common cause of respiratory problems and poor performance in horses. It has recently been suggested that IAD and Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) could be two forms of a same inflammatory process and recent evidence tends to establish a close parallel between these equine diseases and asthma in humans. Fungi have been shown to contribute to the inflammatory response of lungs in RAO horses and in some forms of asthma in humans. The role of fungi in IAD has not yet been assessed to the knowledge of the authors.