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Yearlings and two to three year olds,
entering the racetrack, are most susceptible to
influenza and rhinopneumonitis. The equine ventilatory environment and
exposure to recurring viruses may cause coughing and decreased airway
responsiveness lasting from a few days up to several months.
Progressive clinical
signs of this disorder are persistent with intermittent cough, poor
exercise tolerance, appearance of an abdominal lift and finally severe
respiratory distress.
The Equine Aero Mask has been designed to
be used with metered dose inhaler medicated particles or wet nebulizer
aerosols by directly targeting the airway and lungs.
The Equine Aero Mask provides a
targeted method of delivery by accurately directing concentrated
medication to the lungs and small airways. The Equine Aero Mask also
effectively regulates dosage and significantly reduces systemic side
effects. The
initial goal of therapy is to control inflammation and reverse airflow
obstruction. Once the horse is stabilized, a preventative maintenance
program can be can be implemented.
The lightweight Equine Aero Mask system offers a unique
way to deliver inhaled medications using either metered dose inhaler or
wet aerosol technology. The mask is made of a sturdy transparent
polycarbonate, features a silicone seal and valves for inspired and
expired air. When fitted over the horse's nose, an MDI chamber with an MDI
canister is attached to the inhalation valve, at the front of the mask.
By
depressing the MDI canister, the medication is propelled into the chamber,
through an inspiratory valve, and into the mask to be inhaled as the hose
takes a normal breath. In a similar manner, when a small volume nebulizer
with aerosol holding chamber is attached to the inhalation valve, the wet
aerosol is inhaled as the horse takes a normal breath. Some dry powder
inhalers will also attach directly to the inspiratory valve and the horse
will inhale the medication in a normal breath.
Wash with mild soap and water between uses is suggested
but otherwise maintenance is not required, although occasional replacement
of the valves is recommended. To avoid cross contamination it is best to
have a mask for each horse.
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