Frequency dependence of forced oscillatory respiratory mechanics in horses with heaves. Young, S. S., D. Tesarowski[acute]a, and L. Viel. Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
APStracts 3:0497A, 1996.
The effects of measurement frequency on respiratory mechanics was investigated in 6 horses with reversible allergic airway disease. Total respiratory impedance was measured at 1.5, 2, 3 and 5 Hz using the forced oscillation technique with the horses in remission, after acute antigenic challenge producing clinical heaves, and with heaves but after the administration of 2mg fenoterol by inhalation. The slopes of the magnitude (|Z|) and real part (R) of total respiratory impedance over the frequency range 1.5-3Hz changed significantly after antigenic challenge and fenoterol. The ratio of R at 2Hz to R at 3Hz, however, discriminated better between the three conditions. Compliance and resonant frequency (calculated using a 3 element model) changed significantly after antigenic challenge and fenoterol but inertance did not. We concluded that horses with heaves showed frequency dependence of R and |Z| at frequencies up to 3 Hz, and that parameters derived from a 3 element model were useful indicators of small airway obstruction in the horse.

Received 20 June 1996; accepted in final form 22 October 1996.
APS Manuscript Number A573-6.
Article publication pending Journal of Applied Physiology.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 13 November 1996