EHV starts in the upper airway. It causes swelling and irritation that make it harder for the horse to breathe. Airflow narrows, and oxygen levels drop.
For performance horses, this can feel like trying to run a race with a bad cold. They simply cannot get enough air, so their stamina and speed fall fast.
Common outcomes include:
- Reduced stamina
- Prolonged recovery times after exercise
- Temporary performance declines that linger well beyond the initial infection
Even after clinical symptoms fade, many horses require weeks or months to regain full respiratory strength.
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