Pronunciation: [hˈiːvz] (IPA) 
The word "heaves" is spelled with a combination of letters that correspond to distinct sounds in the English language. In IPA phonetic transcription, "heaves" is written as /hiːvz/, which indicates that the first sound is a long "ee" as in "sheep," followed by a voiced "v" sound, and finally an "s" sound. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word and enables effective communication in written and spoken English.
Heaves, in its noun form, refers to a condition affecting horses where there is difficulty in breathing due to the constriction and impedance of the air passages as a result of the chronic inflammation and bronchospasms of the lungs. This condition is more formally known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Heaves is primarily caused by the inhalation of dust or other allergens, leading to an allergic response that triggers inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Symptoms of heaves often include coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, and increased respiratory rate, especially after exercise or exposure to irritants. The horse may also exhibit a heaving or flaring of the nostrils when breathing, hence the name "heaves." Additionally, affected horses may have reduced exercise tolerance and decreased performance due to the compromised respiratory function.
Management of heaves involves minimizing the horse's exposure to irritants, such as dust, mold, and allergens in their environment. This can include providing pasture turnout instead of stabling, using low-dust bedding materials, and dampening hay or using alternative forage sources. Medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids may also be prescribed to alleviate the bronchospasms and decrease the inflammation in the airways.
It is crucial for horse owners and caretakers to recognize the early signs of heaves and seek veterinary attention promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent further damage to the horse's respiratory system and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Pulmonary emphysema in the horse, marked by difficult expiration and sometimes a cough; broken wind, asthma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A disease of horses: heaving the log, using the log to ascertain the rate the ship is going at: to heave to, to bring a ship's head to the wind and stop her motion: to heave in sight, to make its first appearance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "heaves" has a couple of different meanings, so it is important to specify which meaning you are referring to. However, if you are referring to the plural form of the noun "heave", which means a strong and involuntary act of throwing or lifting, the etymology of the word can be traced back to Old English.
"Heave" comes from the Old English word "hebban", which means "to lift" or "to raise". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "habjan", which has the same meaning. The Proto-Germanic word is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kap-", which means "to seize" or "to hold".
Over time, the word "heave" developed its various meanings related to lifting, throwing, or raising objects or the body in different contexts.
