Effect of the Administration of a Nutraceutical Supplement in Racehorses with Lower Airway Inflammation

Abstract

Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways of the horse, characterized by tracheal mucus accumulation, cough and poor performance. The therapeutic approach is based on pharmacological treatment and environmental management. Moreover, the efficacy of the administration of antioxidant molecules has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of a commercial nutraceutical supplement, composed of several herbal extracts, on lower airway inflammation in racehorses. Twelve Thoroughbreds affected by MEA were selected. All horses underwent a clinical examination with assignment of a clinical score, airway endoscopy and cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In seven horses, the supplement was administered for 21 days in association with environmental changes, while in five horses only environmental changes were performed. All procedures were repeated at the end of the study. Data concerning the clinical score, the endoscopic scores and the cytology at the beginning and at the end of the study were statistically compared. Data showed a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the clinical score and a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the tracheal mucus score. The results showed the beneficial effect of the supplement on mild–moderate lower airway inflammation, probably due to its antioxidant activity.

Environmental Management of Equine Asthma

“…Other nutraceutical and herbal supplements for horses with EA have been studied, among other reasons, to avoid using pharmacological products forbidden in races or other sports. One nutraceutical product, a complementary feed containing maltodextrin, calcium carbonate, Arthrospira platensis (12%), and fermented pineapple (5%), supplemented with antioxidants, was studied recently [73], and it seems to improve the clinical score and mucus production. However, there were clinical differences between the nutraceutical and control groups at the beginning of the study that may have influenced these results.…”

Equine Respiratory Medicine and Cardiology

“…The study concluded that EIPH does not affect the athletic capacity of racehorses, and its role in decreased performance quality may follow a different pathway. Furthermore, the prospective case–control study by Stucchi et al [ 13 ] evaluates the efficacy of the administration of a nutraceutical supplement, composed of different herbal extracts with antioxidant properties, in Thoroughbred racehorses affected by MEA. The results show a reduction in tracheal mucus accumulation and clinical score in the treated patients.…”