Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Respiratory Management EIPH

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is common in racehorses and affects welfare through lung injury, poor performance, and post-race distress.

Key Facts

EIPH occurs in up to 80% of racehorses during high-intensity exercise
Bleeding into the lung causes visible blood from the nose in approximately 5% of affected horses
Furosemide is used to reduce EIPH in the US but is banned in UK and European racing
Nasal strips, nebulisation, and environmental dust reduction help manage but do not eliminate EIPH
Severe or recurrent EIPH is associated with long-term lung damage and chronic compromise

Welfare Considerations

EIPH is a significant welfare concern for racehorses; its prevention and management require both regulatory consistency and genuine investment in non-pharmacological approaches.

What You Can Do

Support transparent EIPH data collection and publication in racing organisations
Advocate for consistent, evidence-based approaches to EIPH management across jurisdictions
Learn about EIPH when evaluating racehorse welfare in different racing systems