Recurrent respiratory disorders in Polish Konik horses - clinical and laboratory findings

The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of chronic respiratory disorders in Polish Konik horses maintained in a stable and pasture, under condition typical for pleasure horses in Poland. The study was conducted on 14 adult horses, consistent with regard to environment and living conditions. The horses were divided into two groups: seven horses not affected by any respiratory problem (control group) and seven horses with history of lower airway disease (study group). Clinical and laboratory evaluation, endoscopic examination, bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal wash, and lung ultrasound were performed in all horses. Median (25^th and 75^th percentiles) for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid differential cell count in control horses was 55.8 (49.8 and 59.1) of macrophages, 41 (38.5 and 45.9) of lymphocytes, and 5.1 (4.1 and 5.3) of neutrophils, whereas in the study group they were 32.8 (25.9 and 35.7) of macrophages, 59.8 (51.3 and 64.8) of lymphocytes, and 38.1 (34.8 and 41.1) of neutrophils. It was concluded that chronic respiratory disorders in Polish Konik horses were probably caused by recurrent airway obstruction.