Veterinarians have used furosemide since the 1970s to reduce EIPH's effects. While frequently used on race day in the United States, it’s banned in most other countries due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Veterinarians have used furosemide (often referred to as Salix) since the 1970s to reduce bleeding into the lungs in racehorses, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). While frequently used on race day in the United States, it’s banned in most other countries due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. The United States racing industry is under mounting pressure to prevent race-day use of furosemide. In fact, it could become prohibited under the Horse Racing Integrity Act (HR 2651) that is currently before Congress. Therefore, there is a need to find other potential race-day therapies that can be used to manage EIPH if, in fact, medication administration is prohibited in the 24 hours preceding a race.

A group of researchers from Washington State University, in Pullman, investigated the impact of several treatments on EIPH during treadmill exercise tests. Warwick Bayly, BVSc, MS, PhD, presented their findings at the 2017 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Nov. 17-21 in San Antonio, Texas.

EIPH 101

The exact cause of EIPH is unknown, but many veterinarians believe increases in pulmonary blood pressure during intense exercise cause the lungs’ capillaries to rupture