Related Experiment Videos
EIPH: postrace endoscopic evaluation of Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds
E K Birks1, K M Shuler, L R Soma
1Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is common in Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, affecting approximately 75% of horses post-race. Neither breed nor frusemide administration significantly impacted EIPH incidence or severity.
Area of Science:
- Equine Sports Medicine
- Veterinary Science
- Equine Respiratory Health
Background:
- Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is a common condition affecting performance horses.
- Understanding factors influencing EIPH is crucial for equine athlete welfare and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and severity of EIPH in Thoroughbreds (TB) and Standardbreds (STD).
- To determine the influence of breed (or running gait) and frusemide administration on EIPH.
Main Methods:
- Semi-quantification of tracheal blood using a 5-point scoring system during post-race endoscopic examinations.
- Comparison of EIPH scores between TB and STD breeds, with and without pre-race frusemide administration.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of all post-race endoscopic examinations revealed EIPH (blood scores 1-4), irrespective of breed or frusemide use.
- Horses examined multiple times showed increased likelihood of EIPH detection (95% for two examinations, 100% for three or more).
- No significant differences in mean EIPH blood scores were observed between Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, or between horses treated with frusemide and those not.
Conclusions:
- Breed (or racing gait) does not appear to influence the incidence or severity of EIPH in these commonly raced breeds.
- Pre-race administration of frusemide did not demonstrate a significant effect on reducing EIPH incidence or severity in the studied populations.