Horses are guinea pigs of new NCSU pulmonary test

Raleigh, N.C. - A new non-invasive test, developed by researchersat the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, candetect pulmonary problems in horses.

NCSU and Tufts University in Boston are the only two U.S. locales qualifiedto perform the test.

Veterinarians use the test to expose recurrent airway obstruction.

"It's a pretty big problem with horses," says Dr. Sarah Gardner,assistant professor of clinical sciences and head of the new testing service.She estimates that up to 50 percent of thoroughbred and standardbred horseshave inflammatory airway disease.

Veterinarians perform the test by placing a breathing mask over the horse'smouth and nostrils. The procedure applies the principles of forced oscillatorymechanics to measure airflow and lung function of the horse.

Gardner asserts the new test will provide objective and quantitativedata to accurately determine proper treatment regimens, which can includeinhaled steroids or anti-inflammatory medications.

"The testing is particularly helpful in diagnosing horses with inflammatoryairway disease that may only have clinical signs of exercise intoleranceand cough," she says.

The procedure costs $150 with a free re-evaluation to monitor responsesto treatment therapies. Contact the Veterinary Teaching Hospital's EquineMedication Service at (919) 513-6640.