Vet Rec. 2003 May; 152(18): 555-7.

Study of the effect of Bronchipret on the lung function of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).

van den Hoven R, Zappe H, Zitterl-Eglseer K, Jugl M, Franz C.

First Medical Clinic for Ungulates and Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.

The effects of an oral preparation containing an extract of thyme and primula (Bronchipret; Bionorica) on the lung function of five horses suffering heaves were determined in a longitudinal study. The horses accepted the product well. The plasma concentrations of the marker substance, thymol, indicated that at least one of the substances in the extract had been absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The compliance, pulmonary pressure and airway resistance of the horses' lungs were all significantly improved after one month of treatment However, the severity of their clinical signs and their arterial oxygen partial pressure had not improved significantly.