Volcanic Ash and Equine Respiratory Health

Ash and gases emitted since Wednesday’s eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland could pose breathing risks to anyone exposed, including horses, according to a European veterinarian whose work centers around equine respiratory disease.
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Ash and gases emitted since Wednesday's initial eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland could pose breathing risks to anyone exposed, including horses, according to a European equine researcher whose work centers around respiratory disease.

Local horses (living near the volcano) could experience unconsciousness, asphyxiation, or death due to toxicity from carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, said Eric Richard, DVM, MSc, PhD, researcher at the Frank Duncombe Laboratory in France. Hydrogen sulfide and ash could also provoke bronchial constriction, cough, and bronchitis among horses within the country and beyond, he added.

Endometritis in mares

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) procedures can be used to help diagnose respiratory diseases in horses, including illnesses resulting from exposure to volcanic ash and gases

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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