Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) in Barrel Racing Horses
Purpose of the research
Dr. Leguillette is developing research projects that are focused on preventing exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), aka ‘Bleeders’, in barrel racing horses. EIPH is very common in barrel racing horses. Although blood is observed from the nostrils in only 5% of horses, it has been found that upward of 50-70% of racehorses show evidence of bleeding in the trachea following a race. More information on EIPH can be found here.
The project has two parts:
Inclusion criteria: This project is open to all barrel racing horses, no previous respiratory issues necessary. In order to properly quantify the prevalence of EIPH, healthy horses are needed to participate as well.
What will we do? We will be attending jackpots around the Calgary and Edmonton area. Endoscopies will be performed on all volunteered horses about 30 minutes after their run (no sedation needed). The endoscopy (a procedure using a small, flexible camera) allows us to look in the trachea to visually assess the presence or absence of blood. Horses can maintain their usual routine – there is no need to alter your pre-run treatment.
Benefits: You will receive an endoscopic examination to assess if your horse bleeds after a run. If your horse is diagnosed as a bleeder, you may be eligible to participate in a follow-up study testing a new preventative drug for EIPH.
Dr. Leguillette will be testing a drug that has been designed to prevent EIPH. It has previously been investigated by the FDA and has already undergone pilot studies in racehorses.
Goal of the project: To study the efficacy of a new drug to prevent EIPH in barrel racing horses
Inclusion criteria: Your horse must be a known bleeder
What will we do? Horses will run a long barrel pattern, once after receiving the drug and once after receiving a placebo. These runs will occur 1-2 weeks apart from each other. The trachea will be scoped (viewed with a small thin camera) approximately 30 minutes after each run (no sedation needed). Horses can maintain their usual routine – there is no need to alter your pre-run treatment.
Benefits: You will receive an endoscopic examination to assess how much your horse bleeds after a run. You will also contribute to finding a preventative drug for EIPH, which may provide information that could optimize your horses’ overall health and performance.
