RAO
n. uncountablen. Stands for Recurrent Airway Obstruction. A medical condition in horses that makes it hard for them to breathe. It is usually caused by an allergy to dust or mold in their hay.
n. Abbreviation for Recurrent Airway Obstruction. An inflammatory condition of the lower airways in horses, typically triggered by an allergic reaction to inhaled dust or fungal spores. It is often compared to human asthma.
The vet diagnosed the horse with RAO after it started coughing.
To manage a horse with RAO, owners must ensure the stable is well-ventilated and the hay is soaked to remove dust.
Clinical signs of RAO include increased respiratory effort and a chronic cough, both of which can significantly impair an equine athlete's performance if the environmental triggers are not strictly controlled.
Commonly used in veterinary medicine; the term has largely replaced 'heaves' in professional contexts.