EXERCISE INDUCED PULMONARY HAEMORRHAGE…

Posted by Ranvet NZ , 10 Apr, 2009

Horse Health, Race Horses, Veterinary

Does your horse suffer from 'Bleeding'?

Published and unpublished data suggests that up to 60% of horses after hard work may show varying signs of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) when examined endoscopically. The amount of bleeding to cause a horse failure to finish or discomfort is unknown however, it is known that bleeding into the lungs can cause severe and continuous lung pathology changes and may be a severe welfare issue.

Work carried out by researchers at The University of California has showed that the most important cause of ‘bleeding' is high pulmonary (lung) blood pressure due to increased circulation of blood during intense exercise. Additionally, the effect of massive lung pressure and/or lung infection may cause bleeding. Stress placed on the lungs of the equine athlete is greater than any other athletic animal and particularly, in horses with upper airway obstructive disorders such as laryngeal hemiplegia(‘roarers'), lung pressures reached during maximal exercise are significantly greater. Further studies conducted at The University of Illinois have deduced that furosemide (Lasix), which belongs to the drug class of antidiuretics, aids to reduce blood pressure in the lung vessels by dehydrating the body, however is banned
under the Australian Rules of Racing (AR.178B).

The substance ‘Rutin' has also been investigated for it's efficacy in aiding horses susceptible to episodic ‘bleeding'. Rutin, also referred to as rutoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside and sophorin, is a citrus flavanoid glycoside most commonly found in buckwheat. Bioflavanoids are derivatives of plant origin which possess a wide spectrum of biological activity and from a therapeutical stand point, the most crucial of which is their powerful antioxidant properties. Additionally, Rutin also has the property to chelate metal ions such as iron, thereby reducing the production of damaging free radicals whilst also aiding the
stabilization of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

RANVET'S
EQUINE NUTRITION SERIES
Ranvet's Rutin Mix is a bioflavanoid compound to aid in the prevention and treatment of bleeding in racehorses, which has been caused by capillary blood vessel fragility and/or certain nutritional deficiencies.

Animal studies involving Rutin supplementation have demonstrated beneficial effects including;

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