Source:  News Release

 

 

Report on First International Summit on Race Day Medications at Belmont Park Available

A current and enlightening reporting of the 1st International Summit on Race Day Medications at Belmont Park is now available for viewing via the Blogsite of the www.HorseDoc.com website.

This report, hosted on Dr. Gregory Beroza's website, explains the use of Furmosemide (Lasix or Salix) in the United States for treatment of "Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage" (EIPH), commonly called bleeding, in Thoroughbred racing.

Two major schools of thought underlie the adoption or rejection of Lasix: Positively, it allows horses to run which otherwise would suffer long-term damage in the lungs. Negatively, it is seen as giving the Lasix-treated horses an advantage over non-treated racers.

The report details the contributions from an international panel of veterinarians, trainers, and regulatory officials on the use of the drug, and it's consequences, in the United States. European and Asian regulatory bodies, such as the British or Hong Kong Jockey Clubs, do not allow use of Lasix.

These divergent policies have important consequences. One is that some European trainers are hesitant to bring their top horses to race the United States because of the perceived advantage of the U.S.Lasix-treated horses. Another is the hesitance of European and Asian breeders to use successful U.S. stock for breeding if they have raced on Lasix.

The report also discusses contributing factors for EIPH including husbandry practices, stress, and possible genetic predisposition. For example, one significant contributing factor In the United States is that most race horses are housed at the track in stalls and are only outside while training on the track. In contrast, in Europe, most horses are housed off-track and exercise in a less-stressful environment.

In conclusion, the report states that one attendee suggested that Lasix be eliminated in all U.S. stakes races, but it is recognized that enforcement of such a solution would bring about a number of security issues.