Which drugs are commonly used for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in horses?

Aminophylline and prednisone are commonly used for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in horses due to their specific action on the respiratory system. Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that helps improve airflow by relaxing the muscles of the airways, making it easier for horses to breathe. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is effective in reducing inflammation in the airways, addressing one of the key problems associated with COPD. Together, these drugs help manage the symptoms of the disease and improve the overall respiratory function in affected horses.

Other options include medications that may not specifically target the underlying issues of COPD or are used for different conditions. For example, while cephalexin is an antibiotic and dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory, they do not directly address the bronchodilation necessary for COPD treatment. Furosemide, primarily a diuretic, is used in conditions such as pulmonary edema rather than for managing COPD. Fluticasone, while an inhaled corticosteroid, is paired with metaproterenol, which is a bronchodilator but not typically used in the context of COPD treatment in horses as it is more common in human medicine.