Occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in show jumping horses.
Authors: Bonomo C C M, Michelotto P V, Viccino C, Barussi F C M, Fernandes W R
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is well-documented in racehorses and eventers, yet its occurrence and risk factors in show jumpers remain poorly characterised despite their participation in high-intensity competitive sport. Researchers in São Paulo examined 50 competing jumping horses stratified by competition level—26 competing at 1.00–1.20 m and 24 at 1.30–1.50 m—performing endoscopic examination and tracheal wash sampling within one hour post-competition alongside measurement of heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Horses jumping at higher levels showed significantly elevated post-exercise cardiovascular and respiratory parameters and more frequent endoscopic evidence of blood in the tracheal lumen, with pulmonary haemorrhage incidence demonstrating strong positive correlations to jump height (r²=0.40), post-exercise heart rate (r²=0.31) and post-exercise respiratory rate (r²=0.19). Whilst tracheal wash cytology failed to differentiate between groups, the clear association between performance intensity and haemorrhage occurrence suggests that competition level is a meaningful risk factor for jumpers, indicating that veterinary monitoring and conditioning protocols should account for the physiological demands imposed by higher-level competition. The mechanisms underlying EIPH in jumping horses warrant further investigation to clarify whether interventions effective in other equestrian disciplines translate to this population.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Jumping horses competing at higher levels (1.30m+) have substantially increased risk of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage; monitor post-competition vital signs as elevated HR and RR may indicate this condition
- •Endoscopic examination within 1 hour post-competition is necessary to detect pulmonary haemorrhage in jumping horses, as tracheal wash cytology alone will miss cases
- •Performance level is a significant risk factor; consider prophylactic or management strategies for horses regularly jumping at heights ≥1.30m to mitigate haemorrhage occurrence
Key Findings
- •Pulmonary haemorrhage incidence was positively correlated with jump height (r²=0.40, P<0.0001), explaining 40% of variance
- •Horses jumping 1.30-1.50m showed significantly higher post-exercise heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and frequency of tracheal blood observations compared to those jumping 1.00-1.20m (all P<0.013)
- •Post-exercise heart rate and respiratory rate were independent correlates of pulmonary haemorrhage occurrence (r²=0.31 and r²=0.19 respectively)
- •Tracheal wash cytology did not differ between high and low jump height groups, suggesting endoscopy is more sensitive for detecting pulmonary haemorrhage in jumping horses