What is a common indicator of a horse suffering from respiratory issues such as heaves?

A common indicator of a horse suffering from respiratory issues, such as heaves, is difficulty breathing. Heaves, also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), is associated with an obstructed airway that affects the horse's ability to take in air efficiently. As the condition progresses, affected horses may display signs of labored breathing, including increased respiratory effort, flared nostrils, and, at times, a distinct wheezing sound during respiration. Recognizing difficulty in breathing is crucial, as it can indicate that the horse is not receiving adequate oxygen, which could lead to more severe health consequences if attention is not given promptly.

Coughing can also be associated with respiratory issues, but it may not be present in all cases, while excessive sweating and lethargy may arise from various health conditions, including stress or metabolic issues, rather than directly signifying respiratory distress. Consequently, difficulty breathing is a direct and significant symptom specific to respiratory problems like heaves.