Stone lung syndrome represents one of the unique pathological and environmental conditions that directly affect the health of working animals such as horses and donkeys, which form a core pillar in various agricultural and service activities. Reports issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health indicate that continuous exposure to hard and dusty working conditions gradually leads to the inhalation of fine dust and mineral particles that accumulate deeply within the lung tissues over years of field work.
The nature of this disease is manifested in inducing profound histological changes characterized by the formation of hardened mineral deposits and the loss of living tissue elasticity, gradually turning the lung into a chronic and irreversible condition that negatively impacts respiratory system efficiency. Clinically, clear and direct symptoms appear in affected animals, including noticeable respiratory distress, persistent dry cough, and a sharp decline in operational and productive capacity during daily agricultural tasks.
Surrounding environmental factors play a pivotal role in exacerbating this syndrome, as working in dry and dusty lands accelerates infection rates, which translates into broad negative impacts on the agricultural community represented by declining work efficiency, reduced productivity, and increased economic losses for farmers. According to modern veterinary studies, proper management and effective prevention require providing a clean environment, organizing continuous rest periods, and mitigating exposure conditions to mineral pollutants to protect livestock from premature deterioration.
Commitment to applying precise veterinary care standards and continuous health monitoring ensures the sustainability of the agricultural sector and alleviates economic challenges associated with high veterinary care costs and the difficulty of replacing working animals.
Source: Reports issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and respiratory medicine studies in working animals
