Ever seen a powerful racehorse thundering down the racing track, but the only way to pull up is their respiratory issue?
This scenario is unfortunately not that uncommon. Many horses suffer from Equine bleeder or Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), also known as bleeding in the lungs.
Many studies suggest that up to 90% of racehorses experience some degree of EIPH during their careers.
This condition raises concerns about their performance and impacts a horse’s overall health.
EIPH occurs when fragile blood vessels in the lungs rupture during intense exercise. This can lead to coughing, fatigue, and decreased performance. While there’s no guaranteed cure for equine bleeder, supplements still appear to be the best approach to supporting lung health and potentially reducing the risk of EIPH in racing and riding horses.
Keep reading to know more!
Understanding EIPH
While your horse exercises, his heart rate and breathing rate increase intensely; this rush in activity puts immense pressure on their lungs.
Unfortunately, the delicate blood vessels lining your horse’s lungs aren’t always equipped to handle this stress. As a result, these fragile blood vessels rupture in response to this stress and cause bleeding into the airways.
The severity of EIPH can differ! While certain mild cases might go unnoticed, severe bleeding can significantly impact your horse’s health and performance.
Some common signs of EIPH include exercise intolerance, coughing after exertion, and blood in the horse’s nostrils.
The diagnosis of EIPH involves endoscopy, a procedure in which a veterinarian uses a camera to examine the inside of your horse’s airways.
EIPH is a widely spreading concern that highlights the need for potential preventative measures to safeguard these magnificent animals.
Benefits of Equine Bleeder Supplements
The equine bleeder supplements aim to support a healthy respiratory system while reducing the risk of EIPH in your horse. These supplements contain a combination of ingredients, each playing a specific role in your horse’s health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins C, K, and Iron are crucial for blood vessel health and proper clotting in your horse’s body. If your horse lacks these nutrients, its blood vessels will be more susceptible to rupture.
Antioxidants
Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. This contributes to a healthier respiratory environment and potentially less damage to blood vessels.
Bioflavonoids
Citrus bioflavonoids and Hesperidin are natural compounds that might strengthen and improve the flexibility of blood vessel walls. This will make them more resistant to the pressures experienced during exercise.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes like Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride play vital roles in maintaining hydration and blood flow. Proper hydration ensures optimal blood volume and circulation, which will benefit your friend’s lung health.
Other Benefits
These ingredients work together to create a complete approach to supporting the overall lung health of your horse. However, the exact way is still being researched. However, there are some other benefits you can expect from this supplement.
- Certain nutrients in these supplements may contribute to stronger and more flexible blood vessel walls, making them less prone to rupture during exercise.
- Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the lungs, potentially creating a more favourable environment for blood vessel health.
- By supporting overall lung health, supplements might contribute to efficient oxygen intake and utilisation, further enhancing performance.
It’s important to remember that equine bleeder supplements are not a guaranteed cure for EIPH. They are a preventative measure that, when combined with proper training and management, will help reduce the risk of bleeding episodes.
Benefits for Domestic Horses
EIPH isn’t limited to racetrack horses; if your horse is engaged in other demanding activities like riding, jumping, or eventing, they can also experience bleeding in the lungs.
These disciplines push horses to their physical limits and create similar stresses on the respiratory system. Equine bleeder supplements will be beneficial for these horses by supporting lung health and strengthening blood vessels.
These supplements may help reduce the risk of EIPH during energetic exercise. It will contribute to improved performance, stamina, and overall well-being in your horse.
Choosing the Right Supplement
Before you introduce any supplements to your horse’s diet, it’s very important to consult with your horse’s veterinarian. They will be able to understand your horse’s individual needs and will recommend a suitable supplement based on factors like
- Age
- Breed
- Activity level
- Any existing health conditions
What You Should Consider Before Introducing Supplements
These are some of the key considerations when choosing an equine bleeder supplement.
- Make sure the supplement contains ingredients that address your horse’s specific needs.
- Follow the veterinarian’s recommended dosage for optimal effectiveness and safety. Exceeding the recommended amount can be harmful.
- Choose a supplement from a trusted brand like Winged Horse, known for its reputation for quality and transparency. We provide detailed information about our ingredients and sourcing.
Bottom line
EIPH is a considerable concern for horses in various disciplines. At the same time, there’s no single solution, although equine bleeder supplements offer an approach to support lung health and reduce the risk of bleeding.
With a combination of proper training, management, and these supplements with us, you can work towards improving the well-being and performance of your equine partners.