Training related risk factors for Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage in British National Hunt racehorses.

Cardwell, Jacqueline; McGilvray, Tegan

Abstract

Background: Exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is an important condition of horses performing high intensity exercise, with reported prevalence among racehorses of up to 95%, based on the detection of blood on tracheobronchoscopy. Previously identified risk factors include age, sex, season, race type, years spent in racing and lower airway inflammation.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of EIPH in British National Hunt racehorses as indicated by two outcome measures: presence of tracheal blood on tracheobronchoscopy, and presence of moderate-large (significant) proportions of haemosiderophages in tracheal wash (TW) fluid; and to identify training-related risk factors for these indicators of EIPH.
Study design: Prospective longitudinal study
Methods: Data from tracheobronchoscopy and TW cytology were analysed using univariable and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression.
Results: 1184 observations, from 177 horses, were analysed. The prevalence of tracheal blood was 7.2% (95%CI: 5.8, 8.8) and significant haemosiderophages in TW fluid 36% (95%CI: 33.3, 38.8). Increased time in training was significantly associated with increased odds of EIPH. For each additional year spent in training the odds of tracheal blood and presence of significant proportions haemosiderophages increased approximately 1.5-fold (OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.0; p=0.005; and OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.3, 1.8; p

Citation

Cardwell, J., & McGilvray, T. (in press). Training related risk factors for Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage in British National Hunt racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal, https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13448

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 8, 2022
• Deposit Date: Apr 1, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2022
• Print ISSN: 0425-1644
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13448
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1548154