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Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) derails many high-performance horses. Though EIPH is most closely associated with racehorses, researchers recently set out to determine the prevalence of the disease, also known as bleeding, in barrel-racing horses.

The researchers from Washington State University evaluated 149 barrel-racing horses during competitions in three states: Washington, Idaho, and Montana. They collected relevant information on all of the horses, including signalment (age, breed, sex); health history, especially respiratory ailments; and pre-race medications. Through the use of endoscopy, an EIPH score was assigned to each horse after running, with a score of 0 denoting no blood in the trachea and a score of 4 signifying an abundance of blood in the trachea. Red blood cells were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The researchers found that EIPH occurred in over 50% of the barrel-racing horses studied.

Like many racehorses, barrel-racing horses are often prepared for competition with the diuretic furosemide, known by its trade name of Lasix, to decrease the likelihood of bleeding. Furosemide causes electrolyte imbalance through increased urination.

“Studies show that horses given furosemide required additional supplementation following exertion to maintain optimal electrolyte balance, especially if a quick rebound from a race is expected,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor at Kentucky Equine Research. Race Recovery, a product developed by Kentucky Equine Research, reduces the downtime between bouts of intense exercise through targeted electrolyte supplementation. Race Recovery is available as a paste and powder.

Supplementation with long-chain fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, has positive effects on inflammation and red blood cell flexibility which, in turn, can decrease the prospect of bleeding. EO-3, a product developed by Kentucky Equine Research, contains DHA and EPA from fish oil, not plants. Marine-derived sources of DHA and EPA confer greater health benefits to horses.

Gold, J.R., D.P. Knowles, T. Coffey, and W.M. Bayly. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in barrel racing horses in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine. In press.

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