Lasix

[31lengths]

Could someone please explain what Lasix does and how it works and when it's administered?

Please and thank you in advance.

[Exceller]

Originally Posted by 31lengths

Could someone please explain what Lasix does and how it works and when it's administered?

Please and thank you in advance.

Read away.

http://www.thinkythings.org/horseracing/lasixinfo.html

The medication Furosemide, sold under the trade name, "Lasix", is a powerful diuretic that causes fluids locked up in the horse's body tissues to be released and expelled in the urine. This has the effect of lowering the horse's blood pressure, particularly in the aorta and pulmonary artery. The lower blood pressure in the capillaries mitigates the problem of EIPH; thus, the horse's performance returns to a normal level. Lasix is treatment of choice for EIPH, though study results of its effectiveness vary.

Some experts contend that Lasix has a stimulating effect on some horses that enhances their performance beyond what it would normally be. Furthermore, some suggest that the sheer volume of fluid lost by the horse (up to several gallons) can cause it to lose as much as twenty pounds, giving it a weight advantage. (Considering the fact that the imposts carried by different horses in a handicap race my vary as little as five to ten pounds, a twenty pound reduction in weight may be very significant.)

Furthermore, there are those who suggest that the increased urinary output of the horse flushes away traces of other, illicit, performance-enhancing substances in the bloodstream.

EIPH is Exercised Induced Pulmonary Hemmoraging (spelling)- horses bleeding.

[31lengths]

Perfect. Thanks.

[Exceller]

Originally Posted by 31lengths

Perfect. Thanks.

Every horse I have ever been involved with gets it. Too many drugs in horse racing for my liking.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Exceller

Every horse I have ever been involved with gets it. Too many drugs in horse racing for my liking.

I don't think Smarty Jones raced on it up until his last two starts if I remember correctly. Horses are too frequently given lasix as a performance enhancer when it shouldn't be used. Not all horses are bleeders, and I don't think that non-bleeders should be given the medication. JMO.

[Exceller]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

I don't think Smarty Jones raced on it up until his last two starts if I remember correctly. Horses are too frequently given lasix as a performance enhancer when it shouldn't be used. Not all horses are bleeders, and I don't think that non-bleeders should be given the medication. JMO.

Unfortunately I wasn't involved with Smarty Jones. Vets make a fortune administering drugs. That is part of the problem.

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

I don't think Smarty Jones raced on it up until his last two starts if I remember correctly. Horses are too frequently given lasix as a performance enhancer when it shouldn't be used. Not all horses are bleeders, and I don't think that non-bleeders should be given the medication. JMO.

Totally agree Cajun.
It's now called salix, not lasix. It's way too overused. Given when there isn't a problem at all.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

I don't think Smarty Jones raced on it up until his last two starts if I remember correctly. Horses are too frequently given lasix as a performance enhancer when it shouldn't be used. Not all horses are bleeders, and I don't think that non-bleeders should be given the medication. JMO.

I think it was his last three starts-- I think they put him on it for the Kentucky Derby. I guess they wanted to make sure they had all bases covered. Grr. And I agree with you all about Salix/Lasix. I was really disappointed when NY caved and started allowing it. I understand that many horses are legitimate bleeders, but then I think, so what are they doing racing and later passing on their genes in the stud shed?

Devis His Due ran almost his entire career free of medication, isn't that right? Over 40 starts, or something like that?

[Downthestretch55]

Lasix is used to prevent bleeding in the lungs.
The stress of running sometimes causes cappilaries in the alveoli to rupture.
Then the horse bleeds. It's a preventive medication, and completely legal.
It's usually administered four hours before the race.
It also calms the horse.
First time lasix is something that a lot of cappers look for.
Fom my own experience...the first time one of mine ran with it, he finished dead last, but it was given only two hours before the race...
he must have been a bit "high". LOL