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my bad news and EIPH
Posted by Bird at 2015-06-24 11:17:22
I posted here a few weeks ago after one of my team began bleeding from the nose. After some careful rest and work and observation, the problem continues.

We have full confidence in the veterinary care we have and the consensus is that he probably has exercised-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. There is a lesser chance it's a result of a fungal infection. Without more diagnostics, we can't rule out the infection.

Both diagnoses are bad news. EIPH is reportedly rare in drafts. It's more well-known as a problem in race horses where it's managed with Lasix for extreme bursts of activity.

Have any of you encountered this? Just curious.

It's been a dispiriting few days as we're all good to go in the hay-making business and now our "tractor" has gone down.
Response by Dris Abraham at 2015-06-24 23:03:32
Sorry to hear of your setback. I have seen it in hitch horses and pulling horses not so much on the farm. Glad your vet is on the case.
Response by Dale Wagner at 2015-06-25 11:41:37
You have just experinced why it takes 3 to make a team.
Response by Bird at 2015-06-25 21:18:51
Yes, I'm certainly learning how many horses make up a team. I haven't yet decided what to do, but might very well be in the market for another team.

Interestingly, Dris, the horse has that "hitch horse" build.
Response by Dris Abraham at 2015-06-26 08:12:03
To clarify my comment, seeing the condition in hitch or pulling stock comes mostly from stock being pushed that is not in proper cardiovascular shape or drugged.
Response by Dale Wagner at 2015-06-27 00:55:22
I would say there is 2 factors possible. Genetic preposition or/and lack of conditioning.
Response by M. Burley at 2015-06-27 19:57:45
EIPH is known to affect all breeds of horses. It usually begins with young horses who are in heavy training, such as racing or pulling. An X-ray will usually show density in the lungs where the haemorrhage is located. If it were a fungal infection, it will usually start with one nostril and be accompanied by a nasal discharge with a distinct odor. Keep in touch with your vet, they should be able to suggest a treatment.
Response by Big Leroy at 2015-06-28 07:23:04
I have trained thousands of racehorses and they ALL bleed to some extent. Many just do not have it come out their nose. We have used an endoscope passed down into the lungs and monitered many horses. Minor exercise can produce bleeding but like I said, it is minor and you will never see it. BIRD: Every once in a while we have a racehorse who will bleed from the nose and it ISN'T EIPH. What happens is that the small flap of the false nostril will flutter rapidly and irritate the tissue of the nostril and you will see blood. Upon endoscope exam there is no blood beyond the nostril. FIX: We put hog rings into the false nostril and tie them open with a shoelace before you work them. Sounds strange but it's done a lot and has no downside. All that being said, if it is truly EIPH, it is EASY to manage. I am anti-lasix and you should be too. I will provide a lot od tips if you feel like contacting me. 518 399 8639.
Response by Bird at 2015-06-28 21:28:41
Thank you for all the thoughtful responses. Over the last days I've learned a lot about this. For those interested, I found a good, readable article and I'll post the link. Thanks big Leroy, I will call. I think the bottom line is back at Dale's post: it takes three to make a team. I'm in the market for a second team. All tips welcome. Feel free to call me at 608-523-1340.

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