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Multiple treadmill-based studies using low numbers of horses have evaluated potential prophylactic treatments for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) and found no effect. However, the relevance of these findings to racing is unclear. Because severity of EIPH incurred on treadmills has not been compared to that following high-speed racetrack exercise in the same horses, we retrospectively performed this comparison using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid red cell numbers (BALFRBC) due to the relative insensitivity of tracheobronchoscopy. Six race-fit Thoroughbreds with recent tracheobronchoscopic EIPH scores ≥2 were exercised to fatigue on a treadmill at 115% V̇O2max (5% incline, 12.3-14.2 m/s), and maximally on a racetrack over 800 m and 1,100 m with average speeds ranging from 16.4-16.7 and 15.5-16.6 m/s, respectively. Run order varied but was not randomised. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed blindly using Bivona tubes 45-60 mins post-exercise. BALFRBC were determined using a haemocytometer. Data were expressed as median and interquartile range, and analysed using RM ANOVA with significance set at P

A prospective, randomised study assessed the impact of high-intensity racetrack conditioning on aerobic and anaerobic capacities in seasoned Thoroughbred racehorses. The effect of 10 weeks race conditioning and two simulated races on V̇O2maxand maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) were evaluated. An incremental treadmill test to determine V̇O2max, followed by three supramaximal runs to fatigue (at speeds (V105%, V115%, V125%) corresponding to oxygen requirements 105%, 115% and 125% of V̇O2max, in randomised order) were performed at each timepoint (T1 [pre-conditioning] and T2 [post-conditioning]). Prior to T1, racehorses were briefly de-trained for four-six weeks and given low-level treadmill conditioning to prepare them for the more strenuous race conditioning after T1. Paired variables between T1 and T2 were analysed using a paired t-test. A 2-way RM ANOVA compared variables with >1 measurement. Speed at V̇O2max(P=0.04) and V̇O2max(P=0.01) increased with conditioning. Calculated speeds for the supramaximal runs increased for V105% (P=0.02) and V115% (P=0.03) but not for V125% (P=0.08). There was no conditioning effect on time to fatigue (P=0.34), although it was different between all intensities (2.8, 2.2 and 1.4 mins at V105%, V115% and V125% respectively at T2). O2demand increased with conditioning (P=0.02) for each supramaximal intensity. On average, horses’ aerobic capacity improved 4.43% after conditioning. MAOD was unchanged with conditioning (P=0.25) and unaffected by exercise intensity. Fit racehorses that have undergone repeated intensive training programs, experience smaller, incremental improvement than completely unfit horses. The anaerobic capacity of previously trained racehorses is relatively stable, despite brief periods of de-training.

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to determine relative aerobic and anaerobic (lactic and alactic) contributions at supramaximal exercise intensities using two different methods. Thoroughbred racehorses ( n = 5) performed a maximal rate of oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) test and three supramaximal treadmill runs (105, 115, and 125% V̇o2max). Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured at rest, every 15 s during runs, and 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min postexercise. In method 1, oxygen demand was calculated for each supramaximal intensity based on the V̇o2maxtest, and relative aerobic and anaerobic contributions were calculated from measured V̇o2and the accumulated oxygen deficit. In method 2, aerobic contribution was calculated using the trapezoidal method to determine V̇o2during exercise. A monoexponential model was fitted to the postexercise V̇o2curve. Alactic contribution was calculated using the coefficients of this model. Lactate anaerobic contribution was calculated by multiplying the peak to resting change in BL by 3. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of exercise intensity and method (as fixed effects) on measured outcomes ( P ≤ 0.05). Relative aerobic and anaerobic contributions were not different between methods ( P = 0.20). Horses’ mean contributions were 81.4, 77.6, and 72.5% (aerobic), and 18.5, 22.3, and 27.4% (anaerobic) at 105, 115, and 125% V̇o2max, respectively. Individual alactic anaerobic energy was not different between supramaximal exercise intensities ( P = 0.43) and was negligible, contributing a mean of 0.11% of the total energy. Relative energy contributions can be calculated using measured V̇o2and BL in situations where the exercise intensity is unknown. Understanding relative metabolic demands could help develop tailored training programs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Relative energy contributions of horses can be calculated using measured V̇o2and BL in situations where the exercise intensity is unknown. Horses’ mean contributions were 81.4, 77.6, and 72.5% (aerobic), and 18.5, 22.3, and 27.4% (anaerobic) at 105, 115, and 125% of V̇o2max, respectively. Individual alactic capacity was unaltered between supramaximal exercise intensities and accounted for a mean contribution of 0.11% of energy use.

SummaryBackground The need for a horse to be ridden while wearing a measurement device that allows unrestricted ventilation and gas exchange has hampered accurate measurement of its maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) under field conditions. Objectives Design and validate a facemask with the potential to accurately measure VO2max in the field. Study design Experiment with 6 x 6 Latin square design. Methods Two variations of a mask and associated electronic control module (ECM) were designed to enable breath-by-breath measurement of airflows through two 7.8 cm diameter pneumotachometers located 7.5 cm in front of each narus. The ECM was comprised of an analogue-to-digital converter and a lithium-ion battery that provided power and signal filtering to the pneumotachometers and an oxygen sensing cell, and powered a pump connected to gas sampling ports between the nares and pneumotachometers. Airflow and oxygen content of inspired and expired gases were recorded through the ECM and electronically transferred to a notebook. VO2 was determined from these recordings using a customised software program. Mask B encased the lower jaw. Mask R left the jaw free so the horse could wear a bit if ridden. VO2max and arterial blood gases were measured in 6 horses during multiple treadmill tests. Each mask was worn twice and results compared to those from an established open flow-through system (O) by ANOVA-RM (p

The objectives of the study were to develop information regarding the frequency of recurrence of exercising arrhythmias and the relationship of arrhythmia development to exercise intensity and type of exercise in Thoroughbred horses. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded on nine Thoroughbreds during maximal or submaximal exercise on a racetrack (Ra) and treadmill (Tm). The frequency of arrhythmias on a Ra and Tm was compared, and their relationship to exercise intensity (expressed as HR/HRmax [%]) was evaluated. Sixty-five workouts were analyzed: 46 workouts were on a Tm and 19 on a Ra; median number of workouts/horse was four, and the range was 2–14. Exercising arrhythmias were detected in 4/9 horses (12/65 workouts), and there were postexercise arrhythmias in 7/9 horses (19/65 workouts). Arrhythmias were detected at some point in 8/9 horses. For 7/9 horses, the same rhythm result was obtained during exercise in repeated recordings. For 7/9 horses, the postexercise rhythm was variable: postexercise arrhythmias were present in median: 21%; range: 0%–75% of workouts. The presence of arrhythmias was positively related to exercise intensity ( P = .01; odds ratio = 1.2) and all occurred during workouts at ≥94% of HR/HRmax (%). Arrhythmias during exercise were more frequent on the Ra than on the Tm ( P = .009). A single ECG did not always display all the arrhythmias detected over several exercise tests. The presence/absence of exercising arrhythmias was more consistent than postexercise arrhythmias. Arrhythmias were more likely to be detected at maximal or near-maximal intensities and during gallops on the Ra. A larger population needs to be studied before more definitive conclusions are drawn.

Equine water treadmills (WT) were initially designed for rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, but are also commonly used for conditioning sport horses, however the effects are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of an 18-day WT conditioning programme on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak). Nine unfit Thoroughbreds were used in a randomised controlled trial. Six horses worked daily for 18 days in stifle-height water (WT group), while 3 control horses worked without water (dry treadmill group (DT)). Preconditioning and postconditioning maximal exercise racetrack tests (800 m) were performed using a portable ergospirometry system. Measured outcomes were V̇O2, tidal volume, minute ventilation, breathing frequency, heart rate, blood lactate and instantaneous and average speed. The workload as assessed by V̇O2 was 21.7 per cent of preconditioning V̇O2peak values for WT horses. V̇O2peak on the racetrack increased by 16.1 per cent from preconditioning to postconditioning in the WT horses (P=0.03), but did not change in the DT horses. Therefore, exercising horses in high water heights may improve conditioning.

The need for a horse to be ridden while wearing a measurement device that allows unrestricted ventilation and gas exchange has hampered accurate measurement of its maximal oxygen consumption (V̇ODesign and validate a facemask with the potential to measure V̇OExperiment with 6 × 6 Latin square design.Two variations of a mask and associated electronic control module (ECM) were designed to enable breath-by-breath measurement of airflows through two 7.8 cm diameter pneumotachometers located 7.5 cm in front of each narus. The ECM was comprised of an analogue-to-digital converter and a lithium-ion battery that provided power and signal filtering to the pneumotachometers and an oxygen sensing cell, and powered a pump connected to gas sampling ports between the nares and pneumotachometers. Airflow and oxygen content of inspired and expired gases were recorded through the ECM and electronically transferred to a notebook. V̇OBlood gases and V̇OSome rebreathing of expired air from mask dead space.Masks capable of measuring V̇O

Summary Reasons for performing study: The ability to obtain breath-by-breath measures of ventilatory mechanics for the entirety of an exercise test, regardless of speed(s) or duration enables evaluations of equine ventilation during exercise that are necessary for assessments of performance. Objective: Evaluation of a new ergospirometer (Quadflow; QF) system's accuracy and repeatability for measuring pulmonary variables in contrast to the established pneumotachometer-based system (control) and assessment of its effects, if any, on exercise capacity at high speeds. Materials and methods: Five Thoroughbred horses each performed 10 incremental exercise tests to fatigue, 5 with the QF system and 5 with an open-circuit flow system. Measures of pulmonary variables were evaluated to determine repeatability. Heart rate, pulmonary variables, arterial blood gases, distance run and time to fatigue measured with each system were compared to assess similarity of results and effect on performance. Results: Results from both systems had high repeatability with low coefficients of variation. The QF was associated with greater resistance to airflow, higher breathing rate at submaximal speeds, lower minute ventilation and peak inspiratory and expiratory airflows, greater acidaemia, hypoxaemia and hypercapnoea, and decreased total run time and total distance run when compared to control system results. Conclusion: The greater resistance of the QF was responsible for altered blood gases, respiratory parameters and performance when compared to the control mask. The QF system reliably measured equine pulmonary airflows and volumes and is suitable for research and clinical use provided optimal gas exchange and best possible physical performance are not required.

Summary Reasons for performing study: The antifibrinolytic, 6-aminohexanoic acid, also named aminocaproic acid (ACA), has been used empirically as a treatment for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) on the unsubstantiated basis that transient coagulation dysfunction may contribute to its development. Objective: To assess the effect of ACA on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) erythrocyte counts in horses performing treadmill exercise at an intensity greater than that needed to reach maximal oxygen consumption. Methods: Eight Thoroughbreds were exercised to fatigue 3 times on a 10% inclined treadmill at a speed for which the calculated oxygen requirement was 1.15 times. Horses were treated with a saline placebo, 2 and 7 g ACA i.v. 4 h before exercise, with a crossover design being used to determine the order of the injections. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage severity was quantified via the erythrocyte count in BALF. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected 4 h before and 30–60 min post exercise. Results were expressed as mean ± s.e.m. and analysed by one way repeated measures ANOVA (P

Summary Reasons for performing study: Prolonged equine exercise can cause hypochloraemic alkalosis and hypokalaemia secondary to the loss of hypertonic sweat. Movement of ions in and out of erythrocytes during exercise may help regulate acid-base balance and changes in plasma ion concentrations. The extent to which this happens during prolonged equine exercise has not been reported. Objectives: To measure changes in blood gases and major plasma and intraerythrocytic (iRBC) ion concentrations of horses undergoing prolonged submaximal exercise. Methods: Six horses were trotted at ∼30% VO2max on a treadmill for 105 min. Arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) blood samples were collected every 15 min, and pre- and post exercise. Blood gases and plasma (pl) concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride and protein were measured and their iRBC concentrations calculated and compared (P

It has been postulated that the hypoxaemia and hypercapnoea that characterize strenuous equine exercise are partly due to flow limitations imposed by high breathing frequencies (fb), and that gas exchange would be improved if fb could be lowered. To evaluate this possibility, 6 Thoroughbred horses underwent 4 incremental treadmill exercise tests at inclines of 0, 5, 10 and 25%, respectively. In the test, horses were given a warm-up for 2 min, then ran sequentially for 1 min each at 60, 100 and 115% VO2max. Oxygen consumption (VO2), blood gas tensions (PaO2, PaCO2), fb, tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (Ve), transpulmonary pressure (Ptp), peak inspiratory and expiratory airflows (VI, VE) and work of breathing (Wrm) were determined during the last 15 s of exercise at each intensity. The only effect of fb on PaO2 was seen at 60% VO2max. Also, maximal transpulmonary pressure difference (delta Ptpmax), and peak VI, and VE on a 25% slope were lower than those recorded at the other 3 inclines at 60% VO2max. At 100 and 115% VO2max, the effect of fb was less clear. While fb still differed, the only effects of fb at 100% VO2max were on delta Ptpmax. At 115% VO2max, fb on a 25% incline was lower than that for 0 and 5% slopes. The only other difference noted at this intensity was in VT on 10% slope. However, there was no difference between VTS recorded at inclines of 0, 5 or 25% at 115% VO2max. There was no effect of fb or exercise intensity on Ve at 100 or 115% VO2max. There was no change in PaO2, fb, VT, delta Ptpmax or VI and VE as exercise intensity increased from 60-115% VO2max on slopes of 0, 5 or 10%. However, for exercise on the 25% incline (i.e. with lower fb), each of these parameters increased (or decreased for PaO2) from 60-100%, but not from 100-115% VO2max. Failure of peak airflow and VT to increase when intensity increased was associated with the development of hypoxaemia and hypercapnoea, regardless of slope or fb. It is concluded that while a low fb may have some beneficial effect on gas exchange during submaximal exercise at approximately 60% VO2max, this effect disappears as exercise intensity increases. There appear to be limits to the peak airflows that can be generated by horses during strenuous exercise, and these limits may be reached regardless of fb. Flow limitation per se may play a greater role in the development of exercise-induced hypoxaemia and hypercapnoea in horses than dose fb.

Five previously untrained yearling sled dogs were evaluated for endurance training-induced changes in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and submaximal blood lactate concentrations. Following 3 weeks of light training followed by 4 weeks of moderate training, VO2max increased by 10%, from 180.2 ± 9.9 to 198.7 ± 19.2 ml kg min− 1 (P = 0.046). Light training was not associated with any increase in VO2max. Blood lactate concentrations at the same absolute intensity decreased by 215%, from 9.2 ± 4.7 to 4.3 ± 2.4 mmol l− 1 (P = 0.022). Speeds associated with oxygen consumptions of 70% VO2max increased by 12%, from 4.8 ± 0.4 to 5.4 ± 0.5 m s− 1 (P = 0.008) and speeds associated with VO2max increased by 21%, from 6.7 ± 0.3 to 8.2 ± 0.7 m s− 1 (P = 0.012).

Summary Reasons for performing study: Horses experience major perturbations in acid-base balance during supramaximal exercise. Ion movement in and out of erythrocytes (RBCs) is believed to be important in maintaining acid-base balance but it is unclear as to the extent to which this happens, nor how it affects single measurements of ion concentrations in arterial and venous blood. Objectives: To clarify the role RBCs play in mitigating perturbations in acid-base balance during high speed exercise in horses, and to describe associated differences in arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) concentrations of key ions. Methods: Six exercise-trained Thoroughbreds galloped to fatigue at speeds calculated to have an oxygen demand that was 115% of the VO2max. Blood samples (a and v) were collected pre-exercise, during warm-up, at fatigue, and immediately post exercise. Packed cell volume (PCV), pH, PCO2, and plasma concentrations of bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and lactate (Lac−) and strong ion difference (SID) were determined, and RBC concentrations of Lac− and electrolytes calculated for each sample. Data were analysed using a 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures testing for effects of sampling time and site (P

Because athletic horses become hypoxaemic and hypercapnoeic during high-intensity exercise but ponies do not, six Thoroughbred horses and five ponies performed an incremental exercise test at speeds with calculated energy requirements that were 40, 60, 80 and 115% of V˙O2max, with the objective of comparing their blood gas and ventilatory responses to exercise. Expired gas and blood samples were taken and breathing mechanics were assessed before exercise and during the last 15 s at each intensity. Maximal V˙O2and V˙CO2in horses were 153±5 (SEM) and 187±4 ml kg−1min−1, respectively, while corresponding values in ponies were 92±4 and 112±7 ml kg−1min−1. During heavy and supramaximal exercise, horses, but not ponies, became hypoxaemic and hypercapnic. There was no significant difference for V˙Ekg−1between groups during maximal exercise, but PAO2, PaO2and PvO2were lower and PaCO2and [(A−a)O2D] were greater in horses than in ponies. Additionally, the horses' maximal transpulmonary pressure difference was higher and their total pulmonary resistance and ventilatory equivalent lower than in ponies. Flow-volume loops suggested that horses experienced expiratory flow limitation but that ponies did not. These results indicated that horses like Thoroughbreds appear to be expiratory flow-limited and become hypoxaemic and hypercapnic when the demand for gas exchange associated with their high V˙O2maxand V˙CO2maxis greater than can be met by their ventilatory system. Ponies, which are less capable athletes, could better match their ventilatory response with their metabolic capabilities and so were able to maintain PaO2in the pre-exercise range and decrease PaCO2to a tension that was more compatible with acid–base homeostasis.

Objective To determine the effect of girth construction and tension on respiratory mechanics and gas exchange during supramaximal treadmill exercise in horses. Methods Six healthy detrained Thoroughbred horses were exercised on a treadmill inclined at 10% at 110% VO(2)max. Horses were instrumented for respiratory mechanics and gas exchange studies, and data were recorded during incremental exercise tests. The animals were exercised for 2 min at 40% VO(2)max, and samples and measurements were collected at 1 min 45 sec. After 2 min, speed was increased to that estimated at 110% VO(2)max and data was collected at 45 sec, 90 sec and every 30 sec thereafter at this speed until the horses fatigued. Horses were run on three occasions with the same racing saddle and saddle packing but using two different girths, either an elastic girth: (EG) or a standard canvas girth (SCG) which is nonelastic. A run with 5 kg tension applied to a standard canvas girth was the control for each horse, with additional runs at 15 kg using either the standard canvas girth or using the elastic girth, The runs were randomised and tensions applied were measured at end exhalation whilst at rest. Results Increasing girth tension was not associated with changes in respiratory mechanical or gas exchange properties. Although girths tightened to 15 kg tension had short run to fatigue times this was not found to be significantly different to girths set at 5 kg resting tension. Girth tensions declined at end exhalation in horses nearing fatigue. Conclusions Loss in performance associated with high girth tensions is not due to alteration of respiratory mechanics. Loss in performance may be related to inspiratory muscles working at suboptimal lengths due to thoracic compression or compression of musculature around the chest. However, these changes are not reflected in altered respiratory mechanical or gas exchange properties measured during tidal breathing during supramaximal exercise. Other factors may hasten the onset of fatigue when horses exercise with tight girths and further studies are required to determine why excessively tight girths affect performance.

Introduction Healthy and poorly performing horses can display arrhythmias during exercise and immediately afterwards. The relationship of arrhythmias to exercise intensity or type, and their frequency of recurrence, are poorly understood. Clarification of these issues was the objective of this investigation. Methods Electrocardiograms were recorded on 9 Thoroughbreds during maximal and submaximal exercise on a racetrack (RA) and treadmill (TM). The frequency of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias for RA and TM were compared using Fisher's Exact Test. Results 65 workouts (TM = 46, RA = 19; median[range]: 4/horse[2–14]) were performed. Exercising arrhythmias were detected in 4/9 horses (12/65 workouts) and there were post-exercise arrhythmias in 7/9 horses (20/65 workouts). A single exercising electrocardiogram per horse often did not display all arrhythmias detected over several workouts. 3/9 horses exhibited arrhythmias during the first and second runs while the other 6 had none. 4/9 had 1 post-exercise arrhythmia. Of 6 horses with >3 runs, 1 displayed arrhythmias each time, 3 never had arrhythmias and 2 sometimes showed arrhythmias during exercise (1/9 and 4/8 workouts, respectively). All 6 intermittently had post-exercise arrhythmias (median[range]: 50% [9–75%] of workouts). Presence of arrhythmias was positively related to intensity and all occurred at ≥94%HRmax. The frequency of arrhythmias following RA (29%) and TM (12.5%) was not statistically different. Conclusions Gallops on TM or RA were equally effective for detecting arrhythmias. The presence/absence of exercising arrhythmias was more repeatable than post-exercise arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are more likely to be detected at maximal or near-maximal intensities. A larger population needs to be studied before firm conclusions are drawn. Ethical Animal Research The study was approved by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocol. Sources of funding: Department of VCS, Washington State University. Competing interests: none.

The antifibrinolytic, 6-aminohexanoic acid, also named aminocaproic acid (ACA), has been used empirically as a treatment for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) on the unsubstantiated basis that transient coagulation dysfunction may contribute to its development.To assess the effect of ACA on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) erythrocyte counts in horses performing treadmill exercise at an intensity greater than that needed to reach maximal oxygen consumption.Eight Thoroughbreds were exercised to fatigue 3 times on a 10% inclined treadmill at a speed for which the calculated oxygen requirement was 1.15 times VO2max. Horses were treated with a saline placebo, 2 and 7 g ACA i.v. 4 h before exercise, with a crossover design being used to determine the order of the injections. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage severity was quantified via the erythrocyte count in BALF. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected 4 h before and 30-60 min post exercise. Results were expressed as mean ± s.e.m. and analysed by one way repeated measures ANOVA (P0.05).Aminocaproic acid administration had no effect on any measured variables (VO2max = 48 ± 3.0 [C]; 148 ± 3.0 [2 g ACA]; 145 ± 3.0 [7 g ACA] ml/kg bwt/min, respectively; run time = 77 ± 3 [C]; 75 ± 2 [2 g ACA]; 79 ± 3 [7 g ACA] seconds, respectively). All horses developed EIPH: 1691 ± 690 vs. 9637 ± 3923 (C); 2149 ± 935 vs. 3378 ± 893 (2 g ACA); 1058 ± 340 vs. 4533 ± 791 (7 g ACA) erythrocytes/µl pre- vs. post exercise recovered in BALF, respectively.Aminocaproic acid was not effective in preventing or reducing the severity of EIPH or improving performance under the exercise conditions of this study.

Prolonged equine exercise can cause hypochloraemic alkalosis and hypokalaemia secondary to the loss of hypertonic sweat. Movement of ions in and out of erythrocytes during exercise may help regulate acid-base balance and changes in plasma ion concentrations. The extent to which this happens during prolonged equine exercise has not been reported.To measure changes in blood gases and major plasma and intraerythrocytic (iRBC) ion concentrations of horses undergoing prolonged submaximal exercise.Six horses were trotted at ∼ 30% VO2max on a treadmill for 105 min. Arterial ((a)) and mixed venous ((v)) blood samples were collected every 15 min, and pre- and post exercise. Blood gases and plasma (pl) concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride and protein were measured and their iRBC concentrations calculated and compared (P0.05).P(a)CO(2) decreased in all horses. pl[Cl(-)]v decreased and [HCO(3)(-)]v increased. Due to the exhalation of CO(2) and chloride shifting, [HCO(3)(-)]a[HCO(3)(-)]v, pl[Cl(-)]apl[Cl(-)]v)and iRBC[Cl(-)]aiRBC[Cl(-)]v. pl[K(+)]a and pl[K(+)](v) both initially increased then decreased and horses were hypokalaemic post exercise. Both iRBC[Cl(-)](a) and iRBC[Cl(-)](v) decreased over the course of exercise but there was no change in the arteriovenous difference between them. There was no arteriovenous difference in pl[K(+)]. iRBC[K (+)]aiRBC[K(+)]v. Conversely, iRBC[Na(+)]aiRBC[Na(+)]v). pl[Na(+)]apl[Na(+)]v and [TP]a[TP]v.Significant arteriovenous differences in iRBC and plasma concentrations of chloride, potassium and sodium reflect the role that movement of ions across erythrocyte cell membranes play in regulating acid-base balance and plasma concentrations of these ions. Exhalation of CO(2) has a major influence on this ion flux.

This study was designed to determine the effect of 200 ml of autologous blood instilled in the lungs of healthy horses had on gas exchange, maximal oxygen consumption and breathing mechanics during supramaximal exercise, as a model of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). The subjects were six healthy well-conditioned Thoroughbred horses. On four occasions over a 6-week period, six horses were subjected to two bouts of exercise to fatigue per day, each at speeds equated with an oxygen requirement that was 110% of . Prior to the second bout of exercise on each day, the horses underwent bilateral bronchoscopy during which either nothing (control), or 200 ml of saline, plasma or blood was inoculated into the distal airways, divided equally between each lung. Run time to fatigue, and measurements of pulmonary gas exchange and breathing mechanics were made and analysed for the effects of the four treatments (control, saline, plasma and blood). Inoculation of blood significantly reduced pulmonary oxygen exchange, and run time to fatigue. Plasma inoculation caused intermediate effects, adversely affecting arterial oxygen tension but without significantly reducing or run time to fatigue. Saline treatment had no effect. None of the treatments had an effect on ventilatory mechanics. The results of this study suggest that volumes of blood in the order of 200 ml can impair gas exchange and interfere with the ability of horses to exercise at supramaximal intensities. Blood volumes of this magnitude are readily evident endoscopically, and probably reflect a moderate-to-severe level of EIPH, in contrast to previously published studies where the unilateral instillation of 100 ml of blood or less did not affect performance.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Prerace administration of frusemide to horses has been linked with a significant improvement in racing performance, but the basis for this improvement is unclear. Objective: To test whether improved performance with prerace administration of frusemide is due to the drug's diuresis-induced weight loss rather than its apparent alleviation of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Methods: Eight thoroughbred horses underwent 3 trials in a random order, 2 or 3 weeks apart: control (C), frusemide/unburdened (FU), and frusemide/burdened (FB). None of the horses were known to have exhibited post-exercise epistaxis or endoscopic evidence of EIPH. Endoscope-guided bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were performed before and after each horse completed a standardised exercise test (SET) on an inclined treadmill to assess semi-quantitatively the volume of EIPH. For C, horses received an i.v. saline placebo injection (5 ml) and were unburdened while performing the SET. With FU, horses received frusemide (0.5 mg/kg) and were also unburdened. For FB, horses received frusemide and were burdened with weight equal to that lost during the 4 h post frusemide injection period. Erythrocyte number in BAL fluid, mass specific VO2max, time and distance for the entire SET as well as at maximum speed were recorded. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted on all results. Results: Mass specific VO2max was significantly higher for the FU than for FB or C. Mass specific VO2max for FB and C were not different. More RBCs were found in BAL samples after C runs than after both FU and FB trial runs. Horses with the frusemide treatment (either burdened or unburdened) produced less EIPH than in the C trial, but their mass specific VO2max values were higher on the FU trial alone. For FU, horses ran longer at 115% VO2max than under C or FB conditions. Conclusion and potential relevance: Improvement of performance in the furosemide trials was due more to the weight-loss related effects of the drug than its apparent alleviation of EIPH. Further research is warranted with the same or similar project design, but with a larger sample size and with horses known to have more severe EIPH.

Summary Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage has been associated with reduced performance in racing horses. However, it is unclear what volume of blood loss into the lungs impairs performance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the minimal volume of autologous blood instilled into the airways that significantly affects performance and pulmonary function in exercising horses. Six Thoroughbred horses performed 2 exercise bouts on each of 4 treatment test days. Each exercise bout consisted of a 2 min warm-up at 4 m/s followed by running at a speed equivalent to 115% VO2max, until fatigued. For the first run of each testing day there was no treatment (baseline run). Prior to the second run either there was no treatment (control) or 100, 50 or 25 ml of autologous blood was instilled into the airways on the right hand side. During each test, arterial and mixed venous blood was sampled, and VO2, VCO2 and breathing mechanics measured. The results of this study indicate that unilateral instillation of 100 ml of blood or less into the airways of horses does not significantly affect pulmonary function, breathing mechanics or performance during supramaximal exercise. The results of this study may be helpful in determining the significance of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage on racing performance.

Introduction Big respiratory cycles (BRCs) are a sporadic but normal occurrence during galloping exercise. Their relationship to performance capacity as reflected by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is unclear. Methods 7 Thoroughbreds completed multiple incremental exercise tests up to 13 m/s on a treadmill to determine their VO2max while wearing a mask that measured inspired and expired volumes (VI, VE) and VO2 on a breath-by-breath basis. Frequency and duration of BRCs were related to speed and VO2max using regression analysis. Numbers of BRCs for each test were counted and the duration, VI, VE and VO2 of each BRC determined and compared to the corresponding average values of the 5 breaths following the BRCs, and VO2max for the exercise bout. Significance was set at P

Introduction The ability to accurately assess equine oxygen consumption (VO2) under field conditions has been limited by the need for unrestricted gas exchange. Methods Two variations of a mask and an associated electronics control module (ECM) were designed to enable breath-by-breath measurement of airflows with two 8.0 cm diameter pneumotachometers located 7.5 cm in front of each narus and connected to differential pressure transducers mounted on the outside of the mask. The ECM was comprised of electronics for signal filtering to the flow transducers, an oxygen sensing cell, and an analog-to-digital converter all powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery also powered a pump connected to gas sampling ports between the nares and pneumotachometers. Airflow and oxygen content of inspired and expired gases were recorded through the ECM and electronically transferred to a notebook. VO2 was determined from these recordings by an operator using a customized software analysis program. One mask encased the lower head (E). The other left the jaw free so horse could wear a bit and be ridden (R). Multiple treadmill exercise tests were undertaken by 6 horses to measure VO2max and blood gases. Each mask was worn twice and results compared to those from an open flow-through system (O) by 2-way RMANOVA (P

Introduction Measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is the gold standard for assessing aerobic capacity, but in horses requires use of stationary equipment and a high-speed treadmill. Study objectives were to evaluate a portable system designed to measure VO2 in a field setting and to describe these measurements in a cohort of untrained Thoroughbreds. Methods Ventilatory parameters and VO2 were measured in 41 untrained Thoroughbreds (16 colts, 25 fillies, 19.8 ± 1.4 months) using an ergospirometry and oximetry mask with customized software validated for horses galloping on a treadmill with an open-circuit flow-through gas collection system. Horses were instrumented with a GPS-HR monitor, light-weight mask and data-capture equipment. Data was collected as horses travelled riderless up a 2% inclined woodchip track. Pre- and 5 minute post-exercise plasma lactate ([La5]), HRpeak, maximal velocity (Vmax) and exercise distance were recorded and analysed by unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation (P ≤ 0.05). Results All horses tolerated the mask and saddle pad. Exercise distance was 1700.5 ± 33.4 m, Vmax 15.0 ± 1.4 m/s, HRpeak 221.2 ± 9.6 bpm and [La5] 22.7 ± 5.5 mmol/l. Average VO2peak, based on 6 breaths, was 117.7 ± 24.1 ml/kg/min, breathing frequency 125.8 ± 7.1 bpm, inspiratory volume 13.2 ± 1.7 L, expiratory volume 13.4 ± 1.9 L and minute ventilation 1669.3 ± 193.3 L/min. VO2peak was not significantly different between colts (112.2 ± 27.7 ml/kg/min) and fillies (121.4 ± 21.3 ml/kg/min). There were no correlations between VO2peak and other measured parameters. There was a positive linear correlation between VO2peak and HRpeak (P = 0.046, R2 = 0.16). Conclusions VO2peak values were similar to published reports for yearling Thoroughbreds. The high exercise intensity and linear relationship between VO2peak and HRpeak provides confidence in the system for field studies of aerobic capacity in untrained, unridden horses. Ethical Animal Research Institutional Animal Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Sources of funding: Science Foundation Ireland (11-P1- 1166). Competing interests: None.

The possibility that pre-exercise inhalation of a bronchodilator by healthy horses could improve their mechanics of breathing and enhance performance was investigated. Ipratropium bromide (0.35 microg/kg bwt; n = 7) was administered by nebulisation 30 min before exercise and frusemide (1 mg/kg bwt; n = 6) was given in the same manner 2 h before exercise. Albuterol sulphate (360 and 720 microg; n = 7) were administered with a metered dose inhaler 2 h before exercise. Each drug was investigated independently of the others using cross-over protocols. Horses completed incremental exercise tests and oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, arterial blood gases, heart rate and measures of breathing mechanics including total pulmonary resistance (RL) and nasopharyngeal resistance (RU) were determined for each exercise intensity. The resistance of the lower airways was calculated subsequently from the difference between RL and RU. None of the drugs tested had an effect on any of the variables measured, possibly because maximal bronchodilation is stimulated in healthy horses by the normal sympathoadrenergic response to exercise. Therefore, the pre-exercise inhalation of a bronchodilator by a healthy horse is unlikely to improve performance capacity.

Few equine studies exist comparing the effects of different forms of training. This study tested the following hypothesis: interval training (IT) results in similar or better fitness parameters in Thoroughbreds when compared to continuous incremental training (CT) of the same workload with fewer galloping strides. Two groups of five horses underwent 6 weeks of IT or CT. Fitness levels were established before and following training. Both groups showed significant increases in VO2max (P

Horses exercising at > or = approximately 90% VO2max develop arterial hypoxaemia with concurrent hypercapnoea, whereas ponies exercising at comparative levels become hypocapnoeic and maintain arterial oxygen tensions close to resting values. We sought to investigate the possibility that these differences relate to the ventilatory responses of these animals to exercise. Six Thoroughbred horses weighing mean +/- s.e. 501 +/- 27 kg and 5 ponies weighing mean +/- s.e. 164 +/- 18 kg exercised for 2 min on a 10% slope at speeds calculated to require 60% VO2max and for at least 1 min at speeds calculated to require 115% VO2max. Oxygen consumption (VO2), arterial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tensions, acid-base balance, tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), peak inspiratory (VImax) and expiratory (VEmax) flow, and maximal changes in transpulmonary pressures (delta PtPmax) were measured immediately before exercise and in the last 15 s of exercise at each intensity. The results confirmed that, unlike horses, ponies do not become hypoxaemic or hypercapnoeic during exercise. Despite having a higher delta PtPmax, higher VImax and VEmax and VE/kg0.75 at the same relative intensities, horses were less capable of mounting an appropriate ventilatory response to exercise. This was reflected by lower mass specific and metabolic weight-based ventilations at similar absolute workloads, and their higher PaCO2 and arterial HCO3-[, and lower ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2). This suggests that horses become hypoxaemic and hypercapnoeic at work loads > or = approximately 90% VO2max because their metabolic demand surpasses the capacity of their ventilatory system to meet this demand. Because ponies are less capable athletes, they can match their ventilatory response to their metabolic requirements.