When breathing becomes agonising
Hope for Didi despite lung disease
Didi was a faithful leisure horse. He could probably have given his riders many more years of pleasure – but an increasing respiratory disease put an end to that. Didi suffers from equinem Asthma, a chronic lung disease formerly known as COPD was known.
When breathing becomes agonising
Equine asthma is also known colloquially as hay dust allergy. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract, triggered by fine dust particles – usually from hay and straw – that enter the lungs. In sensitive horses, they lead to an allergic reaction that constricts the bronchial tubes.
Didi was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe. Mucus production was greatly increased, the respiratory muscles spasmed – the air could barely circulate. In severe cases, structural changes in the lung tissue also occur, which can no longer be reversed.
Forlorn? Not quite!
Riding was no longer an option for Didi. His former owners knew no other way out – Didi was to be euthanised. But as is so often the case in life, help came at the last second: His vet stood up for him. She knew that although his illness was incurable, with the right husbandry, feeding and therapy, a good quality of life was still possible. Many horses live an active and happy life despite their chronic illness. And Didi should lead this life at Gut Aiderbichl in the future.
A place for Didi - at Gut Aiderbichl Egg
Because Gut Aiderbichl Egg is a special rehabilitation centre for horses, which is operated in cooperation with the Sandgrueb Foundation. The facility is designed to meet the special needs of sick and old horses. The Sandgrueb Foundation and Gut Aiderbichl have been working closely together since 2020.
The rehabilitation centre is in an idyllic location around 16 kilometres from Zurich. In 2016, a state-of-the-art equestrian centre was built on a former market garden. The aim is to sustainably improve the living conditions of old and chronically ill horses – with holistic care.
Research for a better future
In cooperation with the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich and the Vetmeduni Vienna, research is being carried out at the Rehabilitation Centre, to develop palliative but effective therapies. The aim is to give the animals a dignified, pain-free life.
A worthy retirement
We are convinced that Didi is in the best hands at Gut Aiderbichl Egg. Because we should give something back to an animal that has given us humans so many wonderful years: a fulfilling life, despite illness.
