2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

The prevalence of fungal contamination in IAD cases is high in Europe. Horses inhaling aerosolized fungal particles are at a significantly higher risk of developing IAD. The type of bedding and forage as well as other environmental conditions represent significant risk factors for IAD and fungal contamination of equine airways. The identification of proliferating fungi in the airways is a sign of fungal infection and warrants further investigation. In the current study, mycology culture seems to lack sensitivity in the detection of fungi in respiratory samples. Horses with RAO exhibit exacerbations of acute airway obstruction that cause respiratory distress resulting from bronchospasm, mucus accumulation, and airway inflammation. Emergency therapeutic options for control and reversal of airway bronchoconstriction in equine airways include parasympatholytic agents which inhibit gastrointestinal motility, b2-adrenergic agonists, as well as systemic corticosteroids, which require 4-6 hours for full effect. Meta-analysis of emergency intervention for asthmatic adults found that adjunctive infusion of magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) improves lung function and reduces hospital admissions. This study examined utility and effectiveness of intravenous MgSO 4 as a novel, inexpensive, easily administered bronchodilatory agent for horses with a naturally occurring pasture-associated form of RAO (SPARAO).