Training related risk factors for exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage in British National Hunt racehorses.
Authors: McGilvray Tegan A, Cardwell Jacqueline M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Training Risk Factors for Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage in National Hunt Racehorses McGilvray and Cardwell's 2022 investigation examined which aspects of training schedules and racing protocols increase susceptibility to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in British National Hunt horses, building on established knowledge that the condition affects up to 95% of racehorses when detected via tracheobronchoscopy. Using case–control methodology, the researchers identified specific training variables—including frequency of high-intensity work, interval between races, and cumulative racing load—as significant contributors to EIPH development, alongside previously documented risk factors such as age, sex and lower airway inflammation. The findings suggest that horses subjected to compressed racing schedules or excessive intensity relative to their training history face considerably elevated bleeding risk, with implications for how trainers structure periodisation and recovery protocols. For practitioners advising on racing soundness, these results support recommendations to extend recovery periods between competitions and carefully manage training load escalation, particularly in younger or previously undertrained horses entering demanding chase and hurdle programmes. Understanding these modifiable risk factors offers farriers, veterinarians and coaches a practical framework for contributing to injury prevention strategies across the National Hunt sector.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Trainers and veterinarians should monitor horses showing signs of lower airway inflammation, as this is an established risk factor for EIPH in racing populations
- •Training load and intensity may need careful management, particularly considering seasonal variations and individual horse characteristics (age, sex, racing history)
- •Regular tracheobronchoscopic screening may be warranted in high-performance National Hunt horses to detect subclinical EIPH before clinical signs develop
Key Findings
- •EIPH prevalence among racehorses reaches up to 95% when detected via tracheobronchoscopy
- •Training-related factors are significant risk factors for EIPH development in National Hunt racehorses
- •Previously identified risk factors include age, sex, season, race type, years in racing, and lower airway inflammation