The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) issued a call on March 15 for proposals to research the efficacy of aminocaproic acid and/or conjugated estrogens related to use as race day medications for the prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).

The use of aminocaproic acid and conjugated estrogens, commonly known as adjunct bleeder medications, was cited as a priority need for investigation by the AAEP Racing Forum. In its determination of appropriate race day medication, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has cited products such as aminocaproic acid and conjugated estrogens for potential use as adjuncts to the commonly used furosemide (Salix) if efficacy can be proven. The Consortium received no fundable proposals in this area in its last call for research proposals, so the question of efficacy remains unanswered.

Since EIPH is a significant factor in the health of the racehorse, The AAEP is attempting to facilitate this investigation. Research proposals will be evaluated for their scientific validity and their potential to satisfactorily answer the question of efficacy. Further determination that these medications do not directly affect performance without an effect on pulmonary hemorrhage would be a useful adjunct to the primary proposal.

There is no time or budget limitation to these proposals. However, particular care will be paid to value for research dollar when the proposals are evaluated. The AAEP Research Committee will evaluate the research proposals. The Research Committee and the Executive Committee of the AAEP, if required, may recruit additional evaluators. The deadline for proposal submission is Oct. 1, 2004. For more information about the call for proposals, contact the AAEP office at 859/233-0147