Equine recurrent airway obstruction: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and patient management.

Recurrent airway obstruction is a condition that affects some older horses maintained in confinement. Clinical signs range from exercise intolerance with occasional cough to dyspnea at rest. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology is characterized by neutrophilic leukocytosis (15%-85%) and is recommended for making the diagnosis in horses with mild to moderate disease. Environmental management combined with periodic bronchodilator and antiinflammatory corticosteroid therapy yields the best prognosis for disease remission.