AeroHippus Respiratory System

Description

The AeroHippus Respiratory System is a specially designed equine aerosol chamber that helps horses inhale medication from a pressurised metered-dose inhaler, often called an MDI or puffer. It does not contain medicine and is not a treatment on its own; it acts as a delivery device for an inhaler selected and prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. The AeroHippus Respiratory System may help with treatments for equine asthma, inflammatory airway disease, allergic bronchitis and recurrent airway obstruction, historically known as heaves or equine COPD.

It may also be used when a vet recommends inhaled therapy for allergy-related breathing problems or exercise-associated respiratory difficulty. These conditions can cause coughing, increased respiratory effort, reduced exercise tolerance, wheezing, nasal discharge or a longer-than-usual recovery after work. Respiratory signs may be aggravated by stable dust, mould spores, dry forage, pollen, poor ventilation or strenuous exercise, and medication is often combined with changes to the horse’s environment and forage management. Similar signs can occur with infection, cardiac disease and other disorders, so a horse should be examined before inhaled medication is started.

The AeroHippus Respiratory System works as a valved holding chamber between the inhaler and the horse’s airway. When the inhaler is pressed, the fine aerosol plume is released into the chamber rather than being sprayed directly into the nostril, where much of it could otherwise be lost through poor timing or deposited in the upper airway. The chamber keeps the aerosol available while the horse breathes normally, allowing medication particles to be drawn through the valve and towards the lower respiratory tract. Its anti-static construction helps reduce particles sticking to the inside of the chamber, while the bell-shaped mask is placed over one nostril to create a comfortable seal without covering both nostrils. The AeroHippus Respiratory System therefore removes the need for the horse to coordinate a breath with the instant the inhaler is actuated, which is particularly useful because horses cannot be instructed to take a slow, deep inhalation on command.

A visible Flow-Vu inhalation indicator is an important feature of the AeroHippus Respiratory System. The indicator moves towards the horse during inhalation, helping the handler check that air is passing through the chamber, assess whether the mask has an effective seal and count the required breaths. This feedback can make administration more reassuring than relying on guesswork, especially when a horse is beginning inhaled treatment. Inhaled medicines commonly prescribed for equine airway disease include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammatory activity within the bronchial lining, and bronchodilators, which relax constricted airway smooth muscle. The AeroHippus Respiratory System can deliver compatible MDI formulations directly towards the lungs, where treatment is required. Targeted administration may allow a vet to manage some respiratory conditions with less systemic exposure than oral or injectable medication, although the benefits and risks depend on the specific medicine, dose, duration and health of the individual horse. Depending on the clinical plan, inhaled therapy may be prescribed for regular control of airway inflammation, short-term management of a flare-up or administration before exercise. Owners should never substitute one inhaler for another or use a human inhaler simply because it fits the chamber.

A calm introduction usually makes the AeroHippus Respiratory System easier to use. Before medicine is given, the horse can be allowed to see and smell the device, followed by brief, gentle contact between the soft mask and one nostril. Positive reinforcement, familiar handling and short sessions can help reduce apprehension. For treatment, inspect the chamber for damage or foreign material, remove the inhaler cap, shake the inhaler as directed and insert it firmly into the rear adapter. Place the mask over one nostril so that it sits evenly, actuate one puff and watch the Flow-Vu indicator while the horse takes the number of breaths specified by the vet; the manufacturer’s routine instructions commonly refer to three to five breaths. Only one puff should be released into the AeroHippus Respiratory System at a time. Where more than one puff has been prescribed, follow the stated interval and repeat the full process rather than releasing several doses into the chamber together.

Some horses react to the click or hiss of an inhaler. Because the AeroHippus Respiratory System holds the aerosol in its chamber, the inhaler can, when appropriate under the supplied directions, be actuated immediately before the mask is placed over the nostril. This can make the sound less startling while still giving the horse an opportunity to inhale the suspended medication. The lightweight, cordless design is convenient in a stable, at a competition yard or while travelling, and treatment does not require a compressor or power supply. A close-fitting mask and horse-specific valve also help limit leakage and medication waste. Because the indicator makes each inhalation visible, handlers can notice a poor seal, hesitation or breath-holding and calmly reposition the mask rather than repeatedly pressing the inhaler. This can improve consistency between treatments and makes it easier to explain the routine to another competent carer. The AeroHippus Respiratory System is not interchangeable with every form of nebuliser treatment, however, and it should not be used with liquids, powders or improvised preparations. It is intended for compatible metered-dose inhalers, and the medicine, dose, frequency and duration must always follow veterinary and inhaler instructions.

Regular care helps the AeroHippus Respiratory System continue to function consistently. The chamber should be dismantled as directed and cleaned with warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid, allowing the components to soak rather than scrubbing the inside of the barrel. Rinse the parts, shake off excess water and allow them to air-dry fully in an upright position before reassembly. Do not boil, sterilise or put the device in a dishwasher, as excessive heat or harsh chemicals may damage its materials or valves. The AeroHippus Respiratory System should be stored clean, dry and protected from direct sunlight, inspected before each treatment and replaced if any component is cracked, missing or no longer seals correctly; the manufacturer recommends replacement after 12 months of regular use. Seek urgent veterinary attention if a horse has marked breathing difficulty, blue or grey mucous membranes, collapse, severe distress or rapidly worsening respiratory effort, rather than relying on an inhaler device as a substitute for assessment.

What is the AeroHippus Respiratory System used for?

The AeroHippus Respiratory System is an equine valved holding chamber used with a veterinary-prescribed metered-dose inhaler. It can help deliver inhaled medication for conditions such as equine asthma, inflammatory airway disease, allergic bronchitis and recurrent airway obstruction, also known as heaves. It does not diagnose respiratory disease or contain medication.

How does the AeroHippus Respiratory System work?

Medication is released from a compatible inhaler into the chamber, where the aerosol remains available while the horse breathes normally. A mask seals over one nostril and an inhalation valve directs the dose towards the airways. This removes the need to coordinate the horse’s breath with the exact moment the inhaler is pressed.

Can AeroHippus be used for equine asthma and heaves?

Yes, a veterinary surgeon may recommend AeroHippus as part of a treatment plan for equine asthma, including recurrent airway obstruction or heaves. The chamber can deliver prescribed inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Environmental measures, such as reducing dust and improving ventilation, usually remain important because the device does not remove respiratory triggers.

Does the AeroHippus Respiratory System come with an inhaler?

No. The AeroHippus Respiratory System is a medication-delivery device rather than an inhaler or medicine. A veterinary surgeon must assess the horse and prescribe an appropriate metered-dose inhaler where indicated. Do not use another animal’s inhaler, an old inhaler or a human medicine unless it has specifically been prescribed for that horse.

How do I use an AeroHippus inhaler chamber on a horse?

Shake and insert the prescribed inhaler, place the mask gently over one nostril, release one puff and watch the Flow-Vu indicator while the horse takes the number of breaths directed by the vet. Manufacturer instructions commonly refer to three to five breaths. Administer only one puff at a time and follow the stated interval between puffs.

What does the Flow-Vu indicator on AeroHippus show?

The Flow-Vu indicator moves when the horse inhales through the chamber. This helps confirm that air is passing through the device, indicates whether the mask has a satisfactory seal and allows the handler to count breaths after each puff. It provides useful visual feedback, although it does not replace correct assembly or veterinary dosing instructions.

Which inhalers are compatible with the AeroHippus Respiratory System?

The chamber is designed for pressurised metered-dose inhalers that fit its rear adapter. Compatibility alone does not make an inhaler suitable for a horse. Use only the product, strength, dose and schedule prescribed by the veterinary surgeon, and follow the inhaler leaflet because preparation and waiting times can differ between medicines.