Endoscopy is one of the most common approaches for examining the airway. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

As prevalent as EIPH is, we still don’t fully understand this potentially performance-limiting condition; here’s what scientists are trying to find out.

Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), or bleeding in the lungs, can conjure up some pretty unpleasant images of horses drowning in their own blood. But the vast majority of horses with EIPH never appear to suffer any consequences of the condition.

Some EIPH horses’ bleeding can be severe, however, and some researchers have found evidence to suggest the condition can lead to permanent lung damage. The only known treatment—furosemide—is a subject of great controversy that most racing and sport governing bodies outside the Americas ban.

For these reasons, several research groups worldwide have focused their studies on EIPH. Their work might lead us to a better understanding of the condition, possible causes and risk factors, improved diagnostic methods, and maybe even other effective treatments