Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hello Terry,
That is such wonderful news about your mare. I hope you’ll keep me posted when she foals – perhaps you can send a photo!
(For those of you reading this post, Terry is referring to forum item called the “Rescued Pregnant Mare.”)
So, you have another needy soul to nurture. 
From what you tell me, it sounds very much as though he has allergies, and not an infection, since the symptoms responded to an antihistimine and a steroidal compound. Take a look at his gums – if they are purple-ish, it indicates that he is not getting enough oxygen because the airways are blocked.
There is a condition known as “Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” (SPAOPD), that appears to be just like heaves but it tends to occur in more humid, southern areas, like where you are located in Georgia.
If it is an allergic reaction, it can be due to a number of things – pollens, plants, and most likely, insects.
COPD (heaves) is really equine asthma, which can be treated. Certainly, since I am not a veterinarian, therefore, it would be best to have an accurate diagnosis.
However, from a nutritional perspective, there are several things that you can do to either ease the symptoms or even correct the problem. The goal is to boost the immune system.
So, here’s a list of things to consider adding to his diet (divided between feedings):
1. Vitamin E – 3000 IU/day. Since most equine vitamin E supplements are combined with selenium, I do not recommend them, unless the soils are deficient in selenium. Instead, you can purchase natural vitamin E - known as d-alpha tocopherol (the synthetic – dl-alpha tocopherol -- is not as effective). Here is a website that offers it: http://www.kyhorse.com/store/supplements/targeted/e5000.htm
If you have difficulty finding an equine product, you can buy human supplements.
2. Vitamin C – Plain ascorbic acid. Feed 26 grams (26000 mg) each day.
3. Echinacea – 1000 mg
4. Licorice (not human candy!) – the actual herb is an natural anti-inflammatory agent that acts similiarly to dexamethasone. It also loosens secretions if he is congested.
In addition to these supplements, provide a high quality protein by combining forages (grasses and legumes). Lots of water – very important! Add salt to his diet to encourage him to drink, if necessary. And, keep him away from dusty environments such as straw bedding.
Please keep me posted on how he is doing.
Thank you for writing and your kind words.
All the best,
Dr. Getty