Conclusion
As the search for better treatment options and preventative measures continues, the simple things owners and trainers can do on a daily basis may have the most impact in reducing the potential for bleeding.
A fit horse living in a clean, well-maintained environment with plenty of air flow and as little dust as possible is less likely to develop respiratory issues such as EIPH. Photo by Danika Kent.
“First and foremost, make sure the horse is fit,” Hutchins said. “Just like with a human athlete, make sure that they’ve got good respiratory capabilities. It’s probably not a bad idea to have these horses scoped periodically to make sure they’re not having any sub-clinical indication that there’s a problem; excess mucous production, potential low-grade respiratory infection, things like that. In general, if you’ve got a fit horse, I think your chances [of developing EIPH] are reduced. However, once a horse does bleed, they’re obviously more prone to bleeding than one that never has.”
Erickson says another measure that can be easily taken is to simply give horses that bleed plenty of rest.
“I think rest is important if you have a bleeder,” Erickson said. “I think a local veterinarian that is caring for the horse should certainly be involved in deciding how long a horse is rested and how it comes back into competition.”
Hutchins believes environmental management is equally important, such as managing stalls and minimizing the levels of dust.
“I think that adds to inflammation,” Hutchins said. “Thus, when you go out and really push on the horse, you’ve got to move a lot of air, and you’re going to create airway resistance. If the lungs are inflamed and irritated, then your chances of bleeding are higher.”
Hutchins says keeping dust levels down by misting the shavings or dampening the hay and other similar measures can minimize any respiratory irritants and help prevent airway inflammation.
Michael Mahaffey is a former associate editor of Barrel Horse News. E-mail comments on this article to [email protected].
