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

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The study of non-pharmacological products that could have a beneficial action on the respiratory system of the horse may have a great impact on the welfare and performance of equine athletes. As a matter of fact, young racehorses can be affected by a mild–moderate form of equine asthma (MEA), that can reach a prevalence of 80%, and pharmacological treatments during racing days are almost always forbidden. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the administration of a feed supplement, composed of several nutraceutical herbs, in the treatment of lower airway inflammation. This product was administered to seven racehorses with MEA, while five horses were used as control. After 21 days, horses treated with the supplement showed a lower degree of clinical signs and lower mucus accumulation in the trachea, compared to controls. For this reason, the supplement was shown to be effective in controlling lower airway inflammation, and its use as an adjunctive treatment for MEA may deserve to be evaluated. 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.