In the thesis we present the most common respiratory diseases in horses. First, we introduce the respiratory system of the horse, which is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tract. The role of the respiratory system is not only respiration, but also thermoregulation, olfaction and social contact. It is important to know the basic physiological parameters of the horse’s health, which are also influenced by the horse’s athletic activity and condition. When signs of disease are detected, we use basic and complementary clinical methods to make the diagnosis. These include laboratory blood tests, radiographs, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Rearing conditions have a major impact on respiratory health. Improving these conditions will help horses feel better and have fewer problems. Dust, usually found in feed, bedding, and bad air (gases), can be a cause of problems. The most common disease is the severe form of equine asthma. This disease severely affects the horse’s overall quality of life and is characterised by severe inflammation of the lower respiratory tract due to an exaggerated immune response to external factors. We also briefly describe three viral diseases that affect different groups of horses. They are equine influenza, rhinopneumonitis, and viral arteritis.
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