Cytologic evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively

Abstract

Aerosolized beclomethasone attenuated neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation and prevented alteration in lymphocyte subpopulations in horses with heaves. Results were similar to the response associated with parenterally administered dexamethasone. Short-term administration of aerosolized beclomethasone without minimizing environmental allergen exposure is not expected to provide prolonged anti-inflammatory benefit for horses with heaves.