Dr McIlwraith gave a fine presentation on intra-articular
steroids. He failed to mention the effect of corticosteroids on the circulatory
system and coagulation, and subsequently their contribution to contributing to
increased incidences of EIPH. Side effects of fluid retention, catabolic
breakdown of membranes and tissues, and alteration of the clotting processes
are side effects that need to be explored and studied. Both corticosteroids and
NSAID alter normal coagulation and contribute to an increased incidence of
EIPH. Their extensive use is one of the many significant reasons American
racehorses are prone to experience EIPH. Many medications, especially those
utilized regularly in training, create the tendency to bleed. For this reason,
many contemporary trainers feel they cannot race without Lasix. Lasix has
become a cover for the overzealous use of performance medications, as most
performance medications aggravate the clotting and pulmonary circulation
process. Aggressive use of corticosteroids, bloodbuilders, and NSAIDs
contribute to EIPH. This combined with inappropriate stabling and the failure
to enrich the stabled racehorse's wellbeing with abundant forage, friends, and
locomotion has created the illusion that drugs are needed to race horses.
Thank Dr Bramalage for the fine conditioning presentation.
It seems Dr Bramalage did not mention the critical need to exercise horses
throughout the day to sustain and maintain musculoskeletal and pulmonary
health. Abundant locomotion beyond the training regimen is what American
racehorses lack but need to promote soundness of wind and limb. Horses locked
down in stalls all but an hour or two a day are not receiving adequate movement
required to enhance the soundness of lungs and legs. Racehorses require
movement throughout the day to adequately develop and sustain soundness of wind
and limb.
Dr Gustafson is an equine veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, and novelist. Natural approaches to development, training, nutrition, and conditioning sustain equine health and enhance performance. Behavioral and nutritional enrichment strategies enhance the lives of stabled horses. Training and husbandry from the horse's perspective result in content, cooperative horses. DrSid provides equine behavior consultations to help recreate the needs and preferences of horses in training and competition.
1 comment:
Welfare and Safety Summit fails to address raceday Lasix as it relates to NSAID and cortisone abuse. The pre-race NSAID and intra-articluar cortisone use and overuse are facilitated by raceday Lasix. Flunixin, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone all aggravate and contribute to EIPH, as do many of the cortisones, an area Dr McIlwraith failed to cover. Horses cannot often successfully receive these anti-inflammatory drugs without getting their raceday Lasix, as these drugs contribute heavily to bleeding. Lasix facilitates their indiscriminate use. The banning of raceday Lasix is necessary to curb the overuse of both NSAIDs and steroidal drugs, as well as the blood builders and blood doping, which are all made possible by allowing raceday Lasix. All drugs should be forbidden after entries are closed and post positions drawn. Otherwise, trainers enter their horse, and when the race is made, they and their veterinarians begin to intensely medicate the horse in preparation to race. This intensive sort of permissive medication that is allowed after the race is drawn is cause for serious repercussions resulting in unsoundnesses, breakdowns, and shortened careers. Lasix perpetuates these medication practices, and Lasix is the seat of medication abuse. It has been demonstrated worldwide that Lasix is not necessary for horseracing. Where Lasix is not allowed, horses are better cared for, more durable, and safer to ride.
http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?section=44
Post a Comment