Bleeder Program: Suggested Support for Horses with EIPH
(Exercise Induced Pulmonary. Hemorrhage)
Contributed by Herbs of the World Inc.

Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage, or EIPH, causes some horses to bleed from the lungs during heavy exertion, like pulling, racing, barrel racing or heavy training. The problem is very common, and despite research by top veterinary experts, no one is quite sure what causes it, or what to do about it.

The newest research from the UK, states that some horses have a higher impact when running or exercising, and this causes a ripple in the chest cavity, which then causes pulmonary hemorrhage. A lengthy and controversial subject is shoeing, because the impact of a horse hitting the ground at high speeds causes much greater stress on the internal organs, joints and bones. Some areas of the world now allow “barefoot racing,” such as Australia, parts of the UK, the state of Kentucky in the United States and some endurance races. Herbs of the World supports the “natural horse,” including responsible, informed barefoot competitive horse events, and a more natural lifestyle for the horses that do compete.

Several other possible causes of EIPH include:

• Horses running in races that are too fast for their ability
• Genetics, a pre-disposition to EIPH
• Horses that run on the turf, that need to run on dirt, or horses that run on dirt and should run on turf (probably a tie in to shoeing and impact as well as ability and terrain)
• Overuse of “track drugs,” causing nutrient deficiency and damage to internal organs, toxins and inflammation, making the equine body regenerate unhealthy, weakened, or inflamed cells. This is coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle and processed feeds and little to no access to green grass and D3 from sunlight.. The liver is often involved in the toxic conditions of lung health, complicated by storage of track drugs and other poisons
• Infections: Once a horse has bled from the lungs, this may cause scar tissue and mucous buildup, which can make it more likely the horse will bleed each time it runs

The Herbs of the World has developed an effective, safe and nutritious herbal program for competitive horses that have EIPH. As with all changes and additions to your horse’s daily routine or diet, consult your vet or holistic vet.