Lasix, or furosemide, is a diuretic medication used to treat horses with breathing issues, such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). It is commonly used in race horses to help them race at their best. Lasix works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, allowing them to rid the body of excess fluid. This helps to reduce the pressure on the lungs and improve the horse’s ability to breathe.
History of Lasix in Racehorses
The use of Lasix in race horses has been the subject of much debate in the horse racing world. It was first approved in the United States in the 1970s and was quickly adopted by race horse trainers and veterinarians. It has been used in many countries since then, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Lasix is not banned in any of these countries, but its use is subject to certain restrictions. In the United States, for example, it is only allowed to be used on race day and must be administered at least four hours before a race.
Benefits of Lasix for Race Horses
Lasix has been found to be beneficial for race horses in several ways. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Reduced risk of EIPH: The use of Lasix reduces the risk of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in race horses. This is a condition where the horse’s lungs become congested with blood, making it difficult to breathe and affecting performance. Lasix helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the lungs, allowing the horse to breathe more easily and race better.
- Improved performance: The use of Lasix can also improve a horse’s performance by allowing it to move more freely. This is because the diuretic helps reduce the amount of excess fluid in the body, allowing the horse to move more easily and efficiently.
- Reduced fatigue: Lasix can also help reduce fatigue in race horses. By removing excess fluid from the body, it reduces the strain on the horse’s muscles and allows it to perform for longer periods of time without tiring as quickly.
Side Effects of Lasix for Race Horses
While Lasix can be beneficial for race horses, it does have some potential side effects. These include:
- Dehydration: The diuretic effect of Lasix can cause a horse to become dehydrated if it is not given enough water to replace what is lost through urination. This can lead to fatigue, poor performance, and even death if left untreated.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Lasix can also cause an electrolyte imbalance in race horses. This is because the diuretic removes not only water but electrolytes as well, which can lead to muscle cramps and other health issues.
- Increased risk of injury: Lasix can also increase the risk of injury in race horses. This is because the diuretic can cause a horse to lose its balance and be more prone to falls and other accidents.
Regulations Surrounding Lasix Use
The use of Lasix in race horses has come under scrutiny in recent years, as some believe it gives an unfair advantage to horses using the drug. As a result, many countries have introduced regulations to limit the use of Lasix in horse racing.
In the United States, for example, Lasix is only allowed on race day and must be administered at least four hours before a race. In the United Kingdom, the drug is banned completely. Other countries have their own regulations, so it is important to check with local authorities before administering Lasix to a race horse.
Alternatives to Lasix
For those who do not want to use Lasix, there are a number of alternatives available. These include:
- Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies, such as ginger, garlic, and chamomile, have been found to help reduce the symptoms of EIPH in horses. These can be given to horses as a preventative measure, or in conjunction with Lasix if it is deemed necessary.
- Respiratory supplements: Respiratory supplements, such as vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, can also help reduce the symptoms of EIPH. These can be given to horses as a preventative measure, or in conjunction with Lasix if it is deemed necessary.
- Saltwater baths: Saltwater baths are also believed to help reduce the symptoms of EIPH. This involves submerging the horse in a bath of saltwater for a period of time, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the lungs.
Conclusion
Lasix is a diuretic medication used to treat horses with breathing issues, such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). It is commonly used in race horses to help them race at their best, as it helps reduce the pressure on the lungs and improve the horse’s ability to breathe. While it can be beneficial, there are potential side effects and regulations surrounding its use that must be taken into consideration. There are also alternatives to Lasix, such as herbal remedies, respiratory supplements, and saltwater baths, that can be used to reduce the symptoms of EIPH.
References
Crowley, J. (2020, February 11). Lasix: What You Need to Know About the Racehorse Drug. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/lasix-for-horses-3106245
Della-Fera, M. (2019, December 03). Lasix: What You Need to Know About This Racehorse Drug. Retrieved from https://horses.ansci.cornell.edu/lasix-what-you-need-know-about-racehorse-drug
Horse Racing Nation. (2020). Lasix – A Common Medication in Horse Racing. Retrieved from https://www.horseracingnation.com/blog/Lasix_A_Common_Medication_in_Horse_Racing