Researchers Investigate Pre-Race-Day Preventive Therapies for EIPH

Researchers are working to find other potential race-day therapies that can be used to manage EIPH if proposed legislation banning race-day furosemide use in the U.S. is passed.
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Furosemide for EIPH
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

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Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.

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