Flax Bedding and Its Significant Benefits for Relieving RAO Symptoms in Horses

Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), also known as “heaves,” is a chronic respiratory condition that affects up to 20% of adult horses, particularly high-performance horses that are stabled for extended periods. The disease is characterized by recurring inflammatory episodes in the horse’s airways, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, and reduced performance. Research has shown that RAO is strongly linked to exposure to organic dust and mold, commonly found in stable environments and in forage like hay. Stables may also expose horses to other irritants like ammonia and other gases, which can exacerbate the horse’s condition.

One of the most important strategies to alleviate RAO symptoms is to reduce the horse’s exposure to dust and mold. An effective way to achieve this is by replacing traditional bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, with flax bedding. Flax bedding, made from the fibers of the flax plant, has proven to be an optimal choice for horses suffering from respiratory issues.

The Benefits of Flax Bedding in Managing RAO

1. Dust-Reducing Properties
   One of the primary benefits of flax bedding is its low dust content. Since RAO-affected horses are highly sensitive to dust, both from forage and bedding, flax bedding can help reduce the amount of particulate matter the horse inhales in the stable. Unlike straw, which can contain significant amounts of dust and mold, flax bedding is dust-free after processing, reducing the risk of irritating the horse’s airways and thereby helping to lower lung inflammation.

2. Absorbent Qualities
   Flax bedding is also known for its exceptional moisture-absorbing properties, which help keep the stable environment dry, thereby reducing the amount of ammonia released from urine. Ammonia is a potent irritant that can worsen breathing problems and stimulate excess mucus production, further blocking the airways in RAO-affected horses. By keeping the stable dry and free of ammonia, flax bedding can help minimize this irritant.

3. Reduced Risk of Mold
   Compared to straw and other organic bedding materials, flax bedding has a much lower risk of developing mold. This is crucial because mold spores are a common trigger for RAO symptoms. Using flax bedding, which is less prone to mold, significantly decreases the amount of mold spores in the horse’s environment, thus reducing the inflammatory response in the airways.

4. Comfort and Insulating Properties
   Flax bedding is soft and comfortable for horses to stand and lie on, contributing to their overall well-being. Additionally, it has good insulating properties, helping to keep horses warm during colder conditions, which can be important for maintaining their overall health during the winter months. RAO-affected horses that spend more time in the stable during winter are more prone to respiratory issues due to increased exposure to dust and mold indoors. Flax bedding can help mitigate these issues.

Practical Considerations and Recommendations

For horse owners managing horses with RAO, it is essential to create as dust-free and healthy an environment as possible. Switching to flax bedding is a simple and effective way to achieve this. At the same time, it’s important to address other factors in the stable environment. For instance, hay should be soaked or steamed to reduce dust and mold, and horses should be turned out as much as possible to provide access to fresh air.

Stable owners may also consider combining flax bedding with steamed hay or completely switching to dust-free pelleted feed to further minimize stress on the horse’s respiratory system. Regular stable cleaning and proper ventilation are also crucial for minimizing exposure to irritants.

Conclusion

Flax bedding offers significant support for horses with RAO by reducing exposure to dust, mold, and other irritants in the stable environment. By using flax bedding in combination with other measures—such as ensuring proper stable ventilation and providing dust-free feed—horse owners can greatly improve the quality of life for horses suffering from this chronic respiratory condition.

Do you also want to try a completely dust-free bedding material in your stable? Book a consultation with us or order your test-package directly from our webshop.