Lasix

[Five Star Derek]

There have been a number of studies that suggest that lasix does not prevent bleeding to the extent that people think it does and in plenty of cases not at all. The increased usage of lasix also correlates with horses running less frequently through the years. Is there a connection? Probably(along with other reasons: breeding, othere legal and illegal meds etc...).

I have personally seen horses bleed through Lasix. I have never heard of if "calming" a horse, but I have seen it do just the opposite. "Bad reactions" from Lasix are not uncommon. I watched a filly flip and kill herself due to her "first time" on Lasix.

[Honu]

Originally Posted by Blue Eyes

I have personally seen horses bleed through Lasix. I have never heard of if "calming" a horse, but I have seen it do just the opposite. "Bad reactions" from Lasix are not uncommon. I watched a filly flip and kill herself due to her "first time" on Lasix.

Wow Ive been in horse racing for over 20 years and have never heard of that happening, pennicillian yes but never Lasix.
Most race horses bleed , so you would rather have them suffer thru the trauma of bleeding than get Lasix?
Just because in some places like Europe they cant use Lasix for the races doesnt mean horses dont bleed, ask any vet , they will tell you its not a matter of "if they bleed" its a matter of when.

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by Five Star Derek

There have been a number of studies that suggest that lasix does not prevent bleeding to the extent that people think it does and in plenty of cases not at all. The increased usage of lasix also correlates with horses running less frequently through the years. Is there a connection? Probably(along with other reasons: breeding, othere legal and illegal meds etc...).

I am curious when horses started running on lasix. Does anyone know whether most horses ran on lasix back in the 1960s and 1970s? I would have to think that lasix may be one of the reasons why horses run less frequently. Horses get dehydrated enough without lasix when they race on a hot day. It can't be healthy to race on a diuretic in 90 degree weather. I would have to think it would take a horse at least a few extra days to recover from racing with lasix on a hot day. Since lasix is a diuretic, it totally dehydrates you. A combination of the stress of a race and the total dehydration suffered as a result of lasix would have to knock a horse out for a couple of weeks.
I think they should ban practically all of these drugs including lasix.

[Five Star Derek]

Bill Heller wrote a book about this issue a few years back. I can't remember the name of it. It is worth reading just for the statistics and the studies that he cites in it. Not a great read but interesting none the less.

[Honu]

Originally Posted by Rupert Pupkin

I am curious when horses started running on lasix. Does anyone know whether most horses ran on lasix back in the 1960s and 1970s? I would have to think that lasix may be one of the reasons why horses run less frequently. Horses get dehydrated enough without lasix when they race on a hot day. It can't be healthy to race on a diuretic in 90 degree weather. I would have to think it would take a horse at least a few extra days to recover from racing with lasix on a hot day. Since lasix is a diuretic, it totally dehydrates you. A combination of the stress of a race and the total dehydration suffered as a result of lasix would have to knock a horse out for a couple of weeks.
I think they should ban practically all of these drugs including lasix.

Rupert actually as the weather heats up so does the risk of horses bleeding , because the heat is added stress on top of running it makes horses more likely to bleed than when its cold outside.
In a perfect world horses wouldnt bleed when they run or get sore or breakdown, but this isnt a perfect world and believe me it is easier on the horse to dehydrate because of Lasix than it is to not give it to them and have them bleed.
I have been around some horses that have bled and once they have had that trauma happen (if its been substancial enough) that even when they are given Lasix they wont try because they are afraid of bleeding again.