Lasix Reduces Bleeding in Horses’ Lungs, Study Says

NY Times ^ | June 30, 2009 | JOE DRAPE

[neverdem]

The debate about whether thoroughbreds should be treated with a diuretic on the day of a race became thornier Monday when researchers released a study showing that furosemide, known as Lasix, significantly reduces bleeding in horses’ lungs.

Furosemide has been used to treat racehorses since the 1970s. Most countries ban race-day use of Lasix because it improves performance. In the United States, however, virtually every horse receives it on the day of the race.

“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,” Dr. Paul Morley, one of the principal investigators of the study and a veterinarian at Colorado State University, said in a telephone interview. The study will appear in The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Thoroughbreds running at racing speeds experience varying degrees of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or bleeding in their lungs. While severe bleeding is uncommon — about 2 percent of racehorses are sidelined because of the malady — the study confirmed what American horsemen had argued but that no data supported: bleeding impaired horses’ performances.

“We know that furosemide is associated with improved performance, and that exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage markedly affects race performance,” Dr. Kenneth W. Hinchcliff said in a telephone interview. “But we didn’t know the answer to the third — and most important — leg of the trifecta: whether furosemide is effective in treating E.I.P.H. We now know.”

The study was conducted on 167 racehorses in South Africa in 2007 by an international team of veterinarians: Morley, of Colorado State; Hinchcliff, of the University of Melbourne in Australia; and Dr. Alan J. Guthrie of the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Each horse in the study raced twice, once after receiving Lasix...

[neverdem]

In the United States, however, virtually every horse receives it on the day of the race.

I was surprised to read that sentence. I heard of this use for lasix once before.

[aposiopetic]

Thanks for the post.

[aposiopetic]

ping

[Razz Barry]

The study was conducted on 167 racehorses in South Africa in 2007 by an international team of veterinarians: Morley, of Colorado State; Hinchcliff, of the University of Melbourne in Australia; and Dr. Alan J. Guthrie of the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Each horse in the study raced twice, once after receiving Lasix before the race and once after receiving a placebo.

I understand the need for placebos in human studies, but why horses?

[eggman]

Double-blind technique used to keep the testers from knowing which horse is getting the medication for that race. That way they don't wind up skewing the results either purposely or inadvertently.

[Razz Barry]

Oh, I see. Thanks!

[neverdem]

Finally, an Average Black Hole

Study Refutes Protein's Role in Heart Attacks

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FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.

[CaspersGh0sts]

“I was surprised to read that sentence. I heard of this use for lasix once before.”

Ever hear the phrase “I’ve got to pea like a racehorse?”

Where do you think it comes from? ;)

You’ve definitely heard it before. You just didn’t know what it meant. :)

[Slump Tester]

"Ever hear the phrase “I’ve got to pea like a racehorse?”"

You forgot the rest of the phrase - "on a flat rock."

[vetvetdoug]

These horses are referred to as bleeders and lasix stops that from happening. The epistaxis originates from the lungs. Several years ago a Dr. Sweeney from Pennsylvania scoped many horses after racing and found evidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in them. She also found that the horses didn't repeat the event if given lasix before exertion. Dr. Sweeney is a pulmonologist D.V.M. and is well known and renowned in TB racing and equine circles. This was over ten years ago when I went to a seminar and she made her findings known. This study is a larger examination of the phenomenon.

[penowa]

Corinne Sweeney from New Bolton or a different vet?

[vetvetdoug]

That’s her. New Bolton Center....IMO one sharp cookie.

[penowa]

Yes, she is an excellent equine vet, and a very nice lady as well. I wasn’t aware of her work on Lasix. Thanks.