Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH)

Symptoms

Bleeding from the lungs caused by intense exercise, with blood appearing in one or both nostrils after exercise. Usually no symptoms are apparant and it is only found after an endoscopic examination. Sometimes will be running quickly before slowing suddenly with no obvious cause. May cough a few times as the horse cools down

Cause

No single cause has been identified. Lung disease that results in inflammation may cause rupture of small blood vessels through tissue irritation. Many healthy horses have shown signs of EIPH although in a mild form. Also if the horse is asked to exceed his fitness level there is a higher possibility of EIPH occuring. Some evidence has also shown a genetic possibility.

Treatment

Prevention of EIPH includes avoiding lung allergies and infections by feeding good quality forage and using good quality bedding, as well as keeping the horses environment clean. Care is needed to prevent EIPH as treatment once the horse has developed it is unrewarding.