story by Jackie Bellamy Zions – Equine Guelph news
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) is estimated to affect between 44 – 85% of Thoroughbreds and up to 87% of Standardbreds worldwide. There is concern in racing circles that EIPH can shorten a racehorse’s career and in rare worst-case scenarios cause sudden death from massive hemorrhage. Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi (OVC, Department of Pathobiology) and her collaborators plan to use data from air quality monitoring stations and weather stations near Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park racetracks cross referenced with endoscopic exams to determine if there are patterns between EIPH and horses exercising in areas of increased air pollution or in cooler temperatures.
Collaborator Dr. Alison Moore first approached Beeler about the project, based on listening to industry concern from astute racetrack veterinarians who felt there could be an association between environmental conditions and the occurrence of EIPH. “It’s currently on people’s minds”, says Beeler. “This research is born out of the desire to provide optimal health for equine athletes and will involve trainers, owners and veterinarians working together to find answers to the question of environmental influence.”
Studies in horses are lacking when it comes to linking pulmonary hemorrhage to ambient air pollution (smog) but a relationship has been demonstrated between EIPH and cooler temperatures. Other unrelated studies have drawn a link between hazardous ozone conditions and slower race times. Airway inflammation has also been associated with exposure to air pollution.
Beeler expects that smog and racing during cool or cold months will have the highest likelihood of a statistically significant association with EIPH and decreased racing performance; basing this hypothesis on literature from endoscopically diagnosed EIPH in Ontario Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds.
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