The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) issued a call in March for proposals to research the efficacy of aminocaproic acid and/or conjugated estrogens related to use as race day medications for the prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).

The use of aminocaproic acid and conjugated estrogens, commonly known as adjunct bleeder medications, was cited as a priority need for investigation by the AAEP Racing Forum. In its determination of appropriate race day medication, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has cited products such as aminocaproic acid and conjugated estrogens for potential use as adjuncts to the commonly used furosemide (Salix) if efficacy can be proven. The Consortium received no fundable proposals in this area in its last call for proposals, so the efficacy question remains unanswered.

Since EIPH is a significant factor in the health of the racehorse, the AAEP is attempting to facilitate this investigation. Proposals will be evaluated for their scientific validity and their potential to satisfactorily answer the efficacy question.

While there is no time or budget limitation to these proposals, particular care will be paid to value for research dollar during the Research Committee’s evaluation. The Research Committee and the AAEP Executive Committee, if required, may recruit additional evaluators. The deadline for proposal submission is Oct. 1, 2004. For more information about the call for proposals, contact the AAEP office at 859/233-0147, or visit www.aaep.org