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Why is my horse bleeding from its lungs or windpipe after exercise?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why do racehorses have blood in there windpipe and lungs?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2018

They should not have blood in their windpipe and lungs and they should not have a nose bleed. This is called epistaxis and is caused by increased breathing strain. This makes little blood vessels burst and those bleed. Here is a great article: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/vet-advice/understanding-nosebleeds-in-racehorses-102865

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