You Be the Judge

It's sad with any horse but when they finish 2nd on debut and die without winning a race, like ours did, it is particularly bothersome. All the more so if it can be avoided.

Doggie, in answer to two of your points:

I believe the concept that Lasix is not a performance enhancer is based on the idea that it is only allowing the horse to perform at the level that it would do normally if it did not bleed. That is, not so much enhancing performance as restoring it to normal.

As for how many trainers would use it on non-bleeders, I guess the US example would tell us the answer - If I'm not mistaken, just about all of them.

Interesting post which has touched on a number of interesting points outside of just the simple Lasix issue.

I am almost TOTALLY UNINFORMED ( or at least inexpert ) on this issue but would like to throw a number of thoughts into the ring :

I have owned horses since 1978 and have never had a 'serious bleeder'. I say 'serious bleeder' because I am reliably informed that ALL horses bleed after stressful exertion - it's just a question of how badly.

Although I have owned my fair share of slow horses I have experienced only a tiny percentage who have broken down or had serious, ongoing 'problems'. You can call me naive but I like to believe it is because of the following :

When I buy a horse it goes straight to a reputable spelling farm. It is 'thrown out' in a HUGE camp and let loose to virtually fend for itself ( other than being fed ) through all weather conditions. It is allowed to run, play and fight with its contemporaries until about halfway through its two year old season. It then moves on to a facility specialising in breaking and schooling where it will typically spend another 3-4 months. When it eventually arrives in its racing stable it is fully schooled and can sometimes race in as little as 6-10 weeks after its arrival.

Now the 'hurry up' artists will have other ideas but I find that this method allows the animal more time to strengthen up ( particularly the skeleton ) and generally ensures a better ability to withstand the rigours of training. Remember a horse only reaches full maturity at 5 - so why are we rushing them at 2?

I am pretty sure that overall my vets bills and time spent on the injury list is, on average, significantly lower than industry averages. In any event spelling farms are significantly cheaper than racing stables so it can hardly be regarded as an expensive alternative.

Moving on to the overall - rather than specific - use of 'medication' I have equally strong opinions :

It is no use looking at Lasix in isolation. The use, for example, of anabolic steroids in our industry is RIFE. I'll repeat that if you want me to. It's illegal and it's cheating. I understand it is even used by certain breeders to 'boost' their yearlings in the sales ring. Spelling farms have often pointed out to me the recipients and how they 'fall away' on the farms. What effect on the welfare of the animal would these substances have in conjunction with Lasix?
Not good I suggest.

Then we have all the old ( illegal ) favourites such as Bute etc., all nicely wrapped up in new brand names.

With hands on their hearts insiders all tell me they are there to 'help' the animal over their 'problems'. Problems - I suggest - caused almost entirely by putting immature bodies under premature pressure. And almost all 'masking' or treating the end problem rather than the underlying issue.

Believe me - there are not many equine problems that are not better treated with REST rather than the needle. But tell that to some trainers and vets and you get an immediate dismissive 'you don't understand' response.

Quite a lot of noise is made by the 'pro medication' lobby ( which would be the next step if Lasix usage is made legal ) about the use of the treatment in the USA. With respect - I don't necessarily regard practises legitimised in America as having some sort of moral imperative.

A number of years ago a study was done on Olympic athletes. They were asked if they would be prepared to use undetectable drugs to enhance their performance to gold medal standard even if the trade off was a dramatically reduced lifespan. Most answered in the affirmative. One wonders what the attitude is towards horses unable to speak for themselves given the same choice.

If we were able to test a full range of thoroughbreds INSIDE the excretion periods I am sure we would find that the number being treated with, in many instances, totally illegal performance enhancing substances, would be widespread.

Don't know if this was posted here earlier.
So for info:
Date issued: 29 June 2009
Study Shows Furosemide Decreases Bleeding into Airways in Racehorses
PRETORIA – Furosemide, used in the United States and Canada to treat bleeding into the airways in
racehorses, decreases the frequency and severity of haemorrhage according to the results of a novel
study. The study, conducted by the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Colorado State University, and
the University of Melbourne, provides a foundation for racing authorities to make decisions regarding the
use of this medication, which is the subject of heated debate and controversy around the world.
The study involved 167 horses randomly allocated to race fields of nine to 16 horses each. Each horse
raced in two races, one week apart, in the same field and in races of the same distance. In the blinded
study, each horse received furosemide before one race and saline solution before the other race. Horses
raced under typical racing conditions. Endoscopy was performed within 30-90 minutes after racing to
identify the presence of blood in airways. The study will be released in the Journal of the American
Veterinary Medicine Association on 1 July 2009.
The research showed that giving furosemide before a race dramatically decreased the incidence and
severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or EIPH. Horses were three to four times more
likely to have any evidence of bleeding without furosemide, and were seven to 11 times more likely to
have severe bleeding without it.
EIPH is the medical term for spontaneous bleeding that occurs within a horse’s airways and lungs during
exercise. Although furosemide has been used in racehorses for several decades, no scientifically sound
studies have been conducted to prove or disprove an effect on EIPH.
“The results of this study do not eliminate debate about the use of this medication in racehorses, but it
does provide evidence needed to aid making sound policy decisions. Decisions are always easier when
you have data,” said Prof Paul Morley, one of the principal investigators of the study and a veterinarian
at Colorado State University. Prof Alan Guthrie of the University of Pretoria’s Equine Research Centre at
the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Prof Kenneth Hinchcliff of the University of Melbourne, both
veterinarians, were the other principle investigators in the study.
“This international collaborative study would have been impossible without the tremendous support from
the racing industry in South Africa and the United States of America”, Prof Guthrie said.
“We designed this study to provide the highest quality evidence to address the use of furosemide in
Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Hinchcliff. “This study design was similar to those used to test the
efficacy of treatments in human medicine, which, to date, have been uncommon in evaluating treatments
for horses.”
Furosemide is widely used in the horse racing industry in North America but is banned on race days in
most other countries. More than 90 percent of racing Thoroughbreds and 50 percent of racing
Standardbreds in the United States and Canada are given furosemide a few hours before racing to treat
bleeding. However, despite this common practice, before this study there was no conclusive evidence
that furosemide was effective in preventing or limiting lung bleeding in racehorses.
Use of furosemide, which is sold as Lasix and Salix, to treat pulmonary haemorrhaging in racehorses
began in the 1970s. Today it is estimated that the racing industry spends about $30 million annually to
treat Thoroughbred horses with furosemide on race days in the United States and Canada. Use of the
medication is controversial because work previously conducted by these scientists found that it
enhanced the performance of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses. Treatment is also controversial
because some critics say that its use confirms animal welfare problems associated with horse racing.
Furosemide is a diuretic; it reduces body fluids by increasing urination. It is used in many species,
including humans, to control blood pressure and fluid balance.
Because of their unique physiology, all horses running at racing speeds experience varying degrees of
exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or bleeding into their airways. Because of blood pressure
changes in the lung that are unique to horses during exercise, more than half of Thoroughbred
racehorses have small amounts of blood in their trachea after a single race.
While horses rarely bleed severely into their airways, this same research group confirmed the widely
held belief that bleeding into the airways impairs athletic performance of horses. Other than the use of
furosemide, which was administered strictly adhering to research project guidelines, all races were under
South Africa's standard rules and regulations for the industry. The horses and jockeys raced for purses
to ensure competitive racing efforts. The 1000 m to 1600m races were on a 1600 m straight on the turf at
the Vaal Racecourse in South Africa.
The study was supported by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Racing Medication
and Testing Consortium, both from the United States, and Racing South Africa (Pty) Ltd and the
Thoroughbred Racing Trust from South Africa provided grant support for this research. Private donors
also provided monetary support. Phumelela Gaming and Leisure (Pty) Ltd donated the use of The Vaal
racetrack with all of its personnel and facilities. The National Horse Racing Authority of Southern Africa
provided its staff to officiate at the races and TecMed (Pty) Ltd provided videoendoscopes and personnel
for the endoscopic examinations of the horses. Local trainers and owners enthusiastically allowed use of
their valuable horses in this unique study.

Note: Video streaming of the press conference that took place yesterday at the Vaal Race Course in Vereeniging, South Africa, is available at the following URL: www.cobainltd.com/phumelelapress/

A copy of the study can be found at web.up.ac.za/sitefiles/file/JAVMA%20Furosemide%20PDF.pdf

On how bleeding affects performance:
cited:Furosemide Study - 29 June 2009
"Use of the medication is controversial because work previously conducted by these scientists found that it enhanced the performance of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses. Treatment is also controversial because some critics say that its use confirms animal welfare problems associated with horse racing.Furosemide is a diuretic; it reduces body fluids by increasing urination. It is used in many species, including humans, to control blood pressure and fluid balance.Because of their unique physiology, all horses running at racing speeds experience varying degrees of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or bleeding into their airways. Because of blood pressure changes in the lung that are unique to horses during exercise, more than half of Thoroughbred racehorses have small amounts of blood in their trachea after a single race. While horses rarely bleed severely into their airways, this same research group confirmed the widely
held belief that bleeding into the airways impairs athletic performance of horses."

also see: www.scef-inc.com/bayly.html [Washington State University study]


ref: THE INDEPENDENT - UK www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing-bleed...-career-1458964.html

Racing: Bleeding, breeding and equine breakdown: The ailment which has affected the season's outstanding miler is so common that it can hardly be used as an excuse for failure - Sue Montgomery examines the infirmity blamed for ending Zafonic's European career

SUE MONTGOMERY


Tuesday, 3 August 1993

Bleeding horses: not an expletive from an exasperated trainer, but an everyday occurrence in the ranks of thoroughbred athletes. Zafonic's flop at Goodwood last week has thrown the spotlight on equine pulmonary haemorrhage, but the truth is that nearly all racehorses suffer from it.

Whether or not bleeding in the lungs affects performance is a matter of degree and how the individual can cope with it. In bad instances, as suffered by Waterloo Boy at Aintree, the blood will pour from the nostrils and the horse virtually stop in his tracks.

But in most cases the damage is invisible to the onlooker and revealed only by internal examination of the trachea (windpipe) or lungs with an endoscope.

Bleeding is caused by stress during exercise; indeed, one of the technical terms for this type of athletic injury is exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or EIPH.

But the condition is not wholly understood. Vets are divided into two camps: those who think it mechanical and those who believe it to be pathological.

The 'mechanics' hold the view that the cardio-vascular system of the thoroughbred has, through selective breeding for speed, developed power to the point where the circulation through the lungs (the carburettor) simply cannot cope. High blood pressure produced by exercise - and the amount needed varies widely between individuals - causes small capillaries in the delicate walls of the air sacs in the lungs to rupture.

The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket has carried out the only survey on the subject in Britain. Five years ago researchers there examined 223 horses shortly after they had raced. Colin Roberts, head of cardio-respiratory medicine at the Trust, said: 'Fifty-five per cent of them had blood in their tracheas after they had run. In the case of the older horses the proportion was 82 per cent and every horse sampled showed signs that it had bled at some time.'

Recent work by US-based human respiratory physiologist John West backs up the theory of mechanical failure. His research - first with rabbits, then with horses on treadmills - has shown that pressure on capillary walls is much higher in horses than in humans (the capillaries in both species are similar in size) and that stress failure in horses is extremely common. Horses bleed, human athletes don't.

So if bleeding is an occupational hazard of being a racehorse, should it be used as an excuse for failure?

Although research has shown that many horses with otherwise normal lungs bleed, the other school of thought among vets is that it takes an outside agent, like disease of an airway, to produce EIPH. But it is generally agreed that any pre-existing respiratory abnormality is likely to increase the risk of it.

If a horse suffers from breathing difficulties - if he 'makes a noise' when galloping due to a faulty larynx for instance - then his inability to take in air efficiently will put more pressure on his lungs than he can cope with.

Whether a tendency to bleed more than usual is hereditary is also open to question. Roberts said: 'There are anecdotal claims to suggest that the condition may run in families.' There is also a belief that respiratory abnormality can be passed on, and certainly in the annals of breeding there are many successful sires who were unsound in limb, but few who were unsound in wind.

Is there any treatment for bleeders? Not really, says Roberts. 'If you rest a bleeder, it is often disappointing. Capillary walls may strengthen if they are exposed to pressure. But paradoxically, if they thicken up then gas exchange in the lungs is likely to be impaired and the horse will run out of puff.'

Lasix, the diuretic drug banned in Britain, but widely used to treat horses in training in the US, is often held up as a cure-all. But Roberts said: 'Most studies of Lasix have found that horses on the drug bled just as frequently as those not on it. The drug does not appear to prevent bleeding, but it may reduce the amount of bleeding.'

Is bleeding hereditary? - fact is, nearly all racehorses suffer from it. If this is the case, surely an equalising medication should be allowed, as outbreeding the condition is not an option?

sorry boys, even more info. - prolific so worth the read. Point is, according to modern research,most racehorses bleed. It is not realistic to suggest that we re-breed the breed to eliminate this problem or slow the sprinters down to run a slow race to prevent them from bleeding...surely an acceptible low level base for administering lasix can be agreed on?

www.thinkythings.org/horseracing/lasixinfo.html

Facts, opinions, and conclusions for the handicapper.

In this article, we will examine a number of questions. You may read through the document top-to-bottom or jump directly to the topic that interests you.

Why do horses bleed during a race?
How does Lasix help?
How many racehorses bleed?
What about Bute?
Why the contraversy about the use of Lasix?
What does this mean for the handicapper?
References.
Background
In the 1960s, the use of Lasix to prevent bleeding was virtually unknown. Today, every racing state permits the use of raceday Lasix treatments, and in many locales, the number of horses racing on Lasix is greater than the number racing without.

This rapid increase in Lasix use has been attributed to a number of factors. Indiscriminate breeding in the 1970s to meet the increasing demand for racing stock is blamed for weakening the breed. Pollution in the air and water irritates horses' systems. And year-round racing takes its toll on thoroughbreds by offering fewer breaks and more varied racing climates.

Although most handicappers understand the general implications and effects of Lasix use, most do not comprehend why it is necessary or how it works. And many inexperienced fans do not even know what it is. This article explores all these topics, and suggests how handicappers can benefit from this knowledge.

A lesson in equine physiology: the biological reasons for bleeding
The thoroughbred racehorse has been highly optimized over hundreds of years of breeding to be an extremely efficient runner. Why, then, do so many of the species suffer from bleeding in the lungs under the stress of running? The answer to this question requires a peek inside the horse; understanding the configuration of the horse's internal organs shows why some bleeding is inevitable during a race.

The technical name for "bleeding" is exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). This describes a condition in which the tiny blood vessels in a horse's lungs rupture due to stress sustained during physical exertion. EIPH occurs in three variations. Simple EIPH is an acute condition resulting from the strain of exercise. Patent pulmonary hemorrhage (PPH) involves bleeding in the lungs as a reaction to an allergen, infection, or due to hypertension. Some horses experience composite bleeding, which is the result of the combined effects of simple EIPH and PPH. PPH is a chronic condition which must be treated with various medications. The effects of simple EIPH heal naturally over the course of several days.

Simple EIPH occurs as the natural consequence of strenuous running due to the layout of the horse's organs and the way the equine body moves during high-speed galloping. The horse's body is divided into two halves. The front end of the horse's trunk contains the heart, lungs, and other major organs. The back half of the horse contains the intestines, which are suspended within the abdomen by ligaments. The two halves are divided by a thin sheet of muscle called the diaphragm.

When the diaphragm contracts, the effect is to increase the volume of the horse's front half, the chest cavity. This increased volume draws air into the lungs. When running, this movement is synchronized such that the horse inhales when his front feet hit the ground and his skeletal structure is stretched to its maximum length. When the horse's front feet leave the ground, the skeletal structure is compressed and the diaphragm relaxes. The constricting chest cavity forces air out of the lungs, and the horse exhales.

Due to the back-and-forth motion of galloping, the horse's intestines swing like a pendulum at the end of the suspensory ligaments. When running at full speed, especially in the fastest sprint races, the movement of the intestines can get out of phase with the movement of the diaphragm in such a way that the intestinal mass is swinging forward as the horse is trying to exhale. This causes the diaphragm to be slammed forward and slightly upward. The diaphragm, in turn, squeezes part of the lungs against the chest wall.

The lungs are filled with alveoli, tiny air sacs, and capillaries, miniscule blood vessels. The alveoli and capillaries are so fine and so interconnected that oxygen from the inhaled air can pass into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide in the blood can pass out of the blood into the lungs to be exhaled. The capillaries are at their smallest and most efficient near the rear, tapered end of the lungs where they abut the diaphragm.

It is exactly these most efficient, extremely fine capillaries which are repeatedly impacted by the forward-surging intestinal mass. As they rupture under the stress, the horse's air passages become clogged with blood. Obviously, this causes difficulty in breathing which causes difficulty in running.

Some studies suggest that airborn debris, such as dust and pollen, play a role in EIPH. Increased fluid and mucous or inflammation due to these irritants obstruct the horse's airways and require even harder breathing during a race.

Once EIPH starts in a horse, it tends to be a lifelong problem.

The role of Lasix
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.

The scope of the problem
Virtually every equine athlete that is required to gallop for prolonged periods is susceptible to the effects of simple EIPH -- bleeding caused by the strain of exercise. However, the problem is most widespread in thoroughbreds because they maintain a high speed for up to two minutes or more. The problem is less severe in steeplechasers, standardbreds, and heavy draft horses because they run at slower speeds due to the nature of their competition.

It is estimated that two to three percent of thoroughbreds bleed so severly as to be evident without the aid of medical equipment. However, a large majority of horses race on Lasix in jurisdictions where it is legal.

If a horse bleeds during a race, and the blood is detected during a veternary examination after the race, it is declared a "bleeder" and permitted to race with the medication, Lasix.

Though only a small number of horses overtly bleed due to EIPH, nearly all horses show at least some bleeding deep within the lungs. This can be detected by a bronchoscope. Thus, if a trainer wishes to put his horse on Lasix, he can simply have the horse "scoped" after the race. The examination will almost certainly turn up traces of blood in the lungs, and the horse will be able to race with the benefit of Lasix in future races. Thus, practically any horse can be treated with Lasix if its connections so desire.

The role of Butazolidin
Phenylbutazone (PBZ), sold as "Butazolidin" and commonly called "Bute", is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In most states, it is the only medication, besides Lasix, permitted in a horse's bloodstream during a race.

Like the common human NSAID, aspirin, Butazolidin fights pain, inflammation, and fever. It is normally used as a theraputic drug to treat sick or injured horses. One side effect of NSAIDs is to decrease the platelets in the bloodstream which causes "thinner" blood. Some suggest that the problem of EIPH is exacerbated by thinned blood. Another negative side effect is that prolonged use of Butazolidin can cause ulcers and gastrointestinal irritation in horses.

"Bute" does not enhance performance in any way; however, a trainer with his bottom line rather than the horse's welfare in mind could use Butazolidin to numb a horse to the pain of an injury so that it can continue to race when it should be laid off.

The Lasix debate
Opponents of Lasix use point out that it was legalized in the late 1970's during a shortage of thoroughbreds in North America. They suggest that Lasix and Butazolidin are used to make otherwise uncompetitive horses able (if not fit) to race.

They are also quick to note that the percentage of winning favorites has declined since the introduction of these drugs -- a sign that racing has become less formful. Furthermore, they assert that the commonplace use of a controlled substance in racehorses does not contribute to the image of racing as a fair and legitimate sport.

Lasix proponents simply assert that it is a treatment without which certain horses would be unable to race due to physical ailments. Many horses are bleeders and require medication to control the problem.

Many people from both sides agree, however, that the use of Lasix and Butazolidin is getting out of control. Since virtually all horses bleed -- at least a little bit -- any horse can be declared a bleeder and put on Lasix. Bute can be used on any horse the trainer deems needs it. Why the proliferation of horses racing with Lasix and Bute?

Some say that trainers are using both drugs just in case their horse has an undetected problem. Or, they may be using them because there is a perceived advantage to using these drugs, and they do not want their horses to be at a disadvantage.

At the very least it can not be denied that the large majority of horses race under medication on a consistent basis. One finds oneself wondering if these drugs are truly necessary on a continuing basis. And if so, should such horses be permitted to race?

The practical implications
Regardless of which side one takes in the Lasix debate, it appears that controlled medications are here to stay. Lasix and Butazolidin are legal and common in most jurisdictions, and more theraputic drugs may be permitted in the near future. For instance, California is considering establishing maximum bloodstream levels of eight drugs. The issue of horses running on medication seems to be expanding.

Since medications will be a part of racing for the foreseeable future, it is prudent for the handicapper to carefully consider the impact of these chemicals whether you call them "theraputic medications" or "performance-enhancing drugs". The use of raceday medications entails a number of implications of practical value to the handicapper.

Consider first the mechanism by which bleeding occurs; the horse's intestines move out of sync with his breathing, causing his lungs to be battered by the intestinal mass. This may explain why the practice of "drawing" a horse, or witholding feed for six to twelve hours prior to a race, is an effective trick to maximize performance. While there is no way for the handicapper to tell whether a horse had been drawn, the astute observer can certainly watch to see if any horse makes a move to lighten his intestinal load in the paddock or post parade immediately prior to a race.

Also consider the type of exercise that leads to hemorrhage -- very fast galloping. This implies that sprinters, who run the fastest, have the most to gain from using Lasix. Routers enjoy a slower pace and probably incur less damage to their lungs during the typical race.

Certainly one should study a horse's past performances very carefully before playing the "first time Lasix" angle. Is this a horse that can benefit from a dose of Lasix? Typically, a horse that shows early speed then suddenly stops after a half mile or so is likely to be suffering from the effects of bleeding. This is the type of horse that can be helped by Lasix. Horses that run near the back of the pack throughout the entire race are unlikely to improve under any medication.

Some professional handicappers suggest that Lasix is least effective on hot, humid days, probably because any mammal's breathing is more difficult on such days.

If your handicapping typically involves favoring horses carrying less weight than their rivals, be sure to take into account the pounds shed by a Lasix-medicated horse by increased urinary output.

It seems evident that the effects of EIPH are efficiently healed because most horses perform well after only 10 to 14 days between races. However, it is natural to suppose that years of racing might leave a fair amount of scar tissue on a horse's lungs. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to consider how well older horses will be able to breathe during a particularly strenuous race.

Keeping the causes of EIPH and the effects of Lasix in mind when handicapping should provide some insights into how medicated horses will perform in a given race. However, these handicapping suggestions should be kept in perspective. Incorporate them into your overall method of handicapping, but do not place undue emphasis on them.

References
Ainslie, Tom, Ainslie's Encyclopedia of Thoroughbred Handicapping.
Biles, Deidre B., "The EIPH Puzzle". The Blood Horse, 04JAN97.
Grening, David, "How Lasix Came To Be in New York". Thoroughbred Times, 26AUG95.
Kopp, Kenneth J., D.V.M., "The Danger in Dust". The Mane Points, Spring 1996.
McArdle, Camille J., "At the Threshold". Thoroughbred Times, 06MAY95.
McArdle, Camille J., "Bute: Then and Now". Thoroughbred Times, 17JUN95.
O'Dea, Joseph C., "A Trail of Blood". Thoroughbred Times, 11MAR95.
O'Dea, Joseph C., "Racing and the New York Rule". Thoroughbred Times, 18MAR95.
Williams, George, "Perspectives on the Use of Lasix". Thoroughbred Times, 26AUG95.

Jockey's are not allowed to use Lasix - and they are sportsmen

I have a huge concern about horses to be allowed to race on Bute. It is not allowed in other horse sports (Show-jumping..) as it is generally perceived to cause more damage than good. It masks the pain a horse may be in, which means the likelihood of a horse breaking down, or hurting itself, is made greater.
It cannot respond to the body's own messages that it is hurt and needs to stop running as it cannot feel these messages.

What are the implications of lowering blood pressure - I have slightly low blood pressure and sometimes when at its worse I become light headed - Would a human running in a race not be regarded as insane if he dehydrated himself on purpose?

Revieved this email today from Chris Van Blerk.




I have observed the discussions in your forum about the abovementioned topic. I have attached a press release about the results of the South African Furosemide Efficacy (SAFE) novel Equine study, involving the three researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria, South Africa, the Colorado State University in the USA and the Melbourne University in Australia for your attention. Maybe this will give a better and more comprehensive overview of the study's result, while I am also providing the link for the press conference involving all three researchers that took place in South Africa.

Note: Video streaming of the press conference that took place on 29 June at the Vaal Race Course in Vereeniging, South Africa, is available at the following URL: www.cobainltd.com/phumelelapress/

A copy of the study can be found at web.up.ac.za/sitefiles/file/JAVMA%20Furosemide%20PDF.pdf

Kind regards



Chris van Blerk
Head: Marketing and Communication

Faculty of Veterinary Science
University of Pretoria
South Africa

Tel: +2712 529 8436
Fax: +2712 529 8577
+27 084 810 3703


Study Shows Furosemide Decreases Bleeding into Airways in Racehorses

PRETORIA – Furosemide, used in the United States and Canada to treat bleeding into the airways in racehorses, decreases the frequency and severity of haemorrhage according to the results of a novel study. The study, conducted by the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Colorado State University, and the University of Melbourne, provides a foundation for racing authorities to make decisions regarding the use of this medication, which is the subject of heated debate and controversy around the world.

The study involved 167 horses randomly allocated to race fields of nine to 16 horses each. Each horse raced in two races, one week apart, in the same field and in races of the same distance. In the blinded study, each horse received furosemide before one race and saline solution before the other race. Horses raced under typical racing conditions. Endoscopy was performed within 30-90 minutes after racing to identify the presence of blood in airways. The study will be released in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association on 1 July 2009.

The research showed that giving furosemide before a race dramatically decreased the incidence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or EIPH. Horses were three to four times more likely to have any evidence of bleeding without furosemide, and were seven to 11 times more likely to have severe bleeding without it.

EIPH is the medical term for spontaneous bleeding that occurs within a horse’s airways and lungs during exercise. Although furosemide has been used in racehorses for several decades, no scientifically sound studies have been conducted to prove or disprove an effect on EIPH.

“The results of this study do not eliminate debate about the use of this medication in racehorses, but it does provide evidence needed to aid making sound policy decisions. Decisions are always easier when you have data,” said Prof Paul Morley, one of the principal investigators of the study and a veterinarian at Colorado State University. Prof Alan Guthrie of the University of Pretoria’s Equine Research Centre at the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Prof Kenneth Hinchcliff of the University of Melbourne, both veterinarians, were the other principle investigators in the study.

“This international collaborative study would have been impossible without the tremendous support from the racing industry in South Africa and the United States of America”, Prof Guthrie said.

“We designed this study to provide the highest quality evidence to address the use of furosemide in Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Hinchcliff. “This study design was similar to those used to test the efficacy of treatments in human medicine, which, to date, have been uncommon in evaluating treatments for horses.”

Furosemide is widely used in the horse racing industry in North America but is banned on race days in most other countries. More than 90 percent of racing Thoroughbreds and 50 percent of racing Standardbreds in the United States and Canada are given furosemide a few hours before racing to treat bleeding. However, despite this common practice, before this study there was no conclusive evidence that furosemide was effective in preventing or limiting lung bleeding in racehorses.

Use of furosemide, which is sold as Lasix and Salix, to treat pulmonary haemorrhaging in racehorses began in the 1970s. Today it is estimated that the racing industry spends about $30 million annually to treat Thoroughbred horses with furosemide on race days in the United States and Canada. Use of the medication is controversial because work previously conducted by these scientists found that it enhanced the performance of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses. Treatment is also controversial because some critics say that its use confirms animal welfare problems associated with horse racing. Furosemide is a diuretic; it reduces body fluids by increasing urination. It is used in many species, including humans, to control blood pressure and fluid balance.

Because of their unique physiology, all horses running at racing speeds experience varying degrees of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, or bleeding into their airways. Because of blood pressure changes in the lung that are unique to horses during exercise, more than half of Thoroughbred racehorses have small amounts of blood in their trachea after a single race.

While horses rarely bleed severely into their airways, this same research group confirmed the widely held belief that bleeding into the airways impairs athletic performance of horses. Other than the use of furosemide, which was administered strictly adhering to research project guidelines, all races were under South Africa's standard rules and regulations for the industry. The horses and jockeys raced for purses to ensure competitive racing efforts. The 1 000 m to 1 600m races were on a 1 600 m straight on the turf at the Vaal Racecourse in South Africa.

The study was supported by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, both from the United States, and Racing South Africa (Pty) Ltd. and the Thoroughbred Racing Trust from South Africa provided grant support for this research. Numerous private donors included high profile private sponsors, such as golfing legend and horseracing enthusiast Gary Player who provided monetary support. Phumelela Gaming and Leisure (Pty) Ltd donated the use of The Vaal racetrack with all of its personnel and facilities. The National Horse Racing Authority of Southern Africa provided its staff to officiate at the races and TecMed (Pty) Ltd provided videoendoscopes and personnel for the endoscopic examinations of the horses. Local trainers and owners enthusiastically allowed use of their valuable horses in this unique study.

For more information or a copy of the study please contact: Mr Chris van Blerk, +27-12-529-8436 (Office) or +27-84-810-3703 (Mobile), E-mail: chris.vanblerk@up.ac.za

Information can also be obtained internationally from:
United States of America: Ms Dell Rae Moellenberg, +1-970-491-6009 (Office) or +1-970-204-6544 (Pager), E-mail: DellRae.Moellenberg@ColoState.EDU
Australia: Ms Hinalei Johnston, +61-3-8344-7844 (Office) or +61-409-536-763 (Mobile), E-mail: h.johnston@unimelb.edu.au