tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886161096540485165.post367862116490471772..comments2024-03-04T00:22:05.959-07:00Comments on A Veterinarian's Take: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission RaceDay Medication TranscriptSid Gustafson DVMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01609352738495482793noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886161096540485165.post-14121832304889265402012-02-20T15:50:37.283-07:002012-02-20T15:50:37.283-07:00Thank you for reiterating the negative consequence...Thank you for reiterating the negative consequences of Lasix use. Certainly, there are no consequences with the Nasal Strip that could match the detrimental side effects of raceday Lasix, it seems. <br />I represent the health and welfare of racehorses, and any conversations regarding the use of ancillary devices to enhance racehorse health are encouraged here, including the use of nasal strips. Alternatives to drugs are always encouraged to manage racehorse health, prosperity and performance. <br />Veterinary behaviorists and horses alike are always suspect of devices and artificial scrims of all types, including tongue ties. Tongue ties perhaps need to be part of the EIPH conversation, as well, it seems. <br />Certainly, nasal strips have proven valuable for many horses, as have tongue ties, and scientific research and analysis continues to document the benefits and advantages, as well as the disadvantages, as science should. I concur that many horses have benefitted from their use, but that refinement of nasal strip design, application, and appropriate use should continue for the benefit of racehorses.<br />Most devices require proper training and use. Please educate everyone regarding nasal strips.<br />Could you please share the guidelines for nasal strip use with us to benefit racehorses? <br />Which horses are good candidates for nasal strip use?<br />How is it determined if a specific horse with a specific problem will benefit from the use of your nasal strip?<br />What are the disadvantages of nasal strip use?<br />Does long term recurrent use of nasal strips alter any structures or respiratory functions?<br />How is a horse appropriately prepared for nasal strip use? <br /><br />How do you recommend the strip be appropriately applied, when, exactly where anatomically, and for how long? <br />What is the nasal strip's documented mechanism or mechanisms of action?<br />What about nasal strips for working and exercising?<br /><br />New York felt nasal strips and Cornell Collars offered unfair advantage, and consider nasal strips a performance enhancing device, as well as a medication delivery system, much like a Fentanyl patch can deliver medications. The argument was also made that the strips weakened the normal nasal physiology over time. <br />Some felt rather than selecting which horses benefit from nasal strips, nasal strips would be used indiscriminately on the entire population, much as Lasix is, which brings use to the question, do nasal strips benefit all horses?<br />Are there horses who cannot effectively compete in New York due to their nasal strip ban?<br />Hopefully, others will share their experience in managing EIPH with nasal strips, and offer helpful advise regarding the use of nasal strips.<br />We are all here to manage racehorse health without the use of raceday drugs. Many thanks for stepping forward with your contributions and solutions. Feel free to identify yourself and your background for our readers.<br />Regards, DrSidSid Gustafson DVMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01609352738495482793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886161096540485165.post-81979184774753384212012-02-20T12:34:59.775-07:002012-02-20T12:34:59.775-07:00Thank you for responding Dr. Sid. Currently, only...Thank you for responding Dr. Sid. Currently, only one racing jurisdiction in the US does not allow Nasal Strip use -- NY. All others do. The strips are widely used in overseas jurisdictions that Do Not Allow Lasix/Salix use. <br /><br />I agree that optimal health and conditioning is an absolute necessity for any bleeding and non-bleeding equine athlete. However, in terms of an American racing world that is Lasix-free, the nasal strip offers the ONLY viable alternative that is scientifically proven to work as well as lasix/salix in controlling and reducing EIPH/bleeding at racing effort, does not leach calcium from the bones, does not deplete electrolytes and fluids from the system, improves the horses locomotor breathing by increasing the airflow, is available from many veterinarians and tack stores, as well as on-line all over the world, needs no needles, and makes the horse more comfortable as an obligate nasal breather. Thanks again :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886161096540485165.post-58876170893813777242012-02-20T09:12:59.606-07:002012-02-20T09:12:59.606-07:00Thank you anonymous. Nasal strips may be part of t...Thank you anonymous. Nasal strips may be part of the drug-free management of EIPH, and many jurisdictions allow their use, while others do not. The prevention is much more complicated than nasal strip use. Locomotion enhances lung health, and horses' lungs need to be conditioned daily by a variety of diverse and creative exercises. Walking is essential to maintain lung health. Horses whose lungs are developed from birth, and whose pulmonary health are enhanced by abundant locomotion, develop hale, healthy lungs that are able to withstand the rigors of racing. Stalling deteriorates lung health, and movement has to be created for stalled horses to maintain pulmonary health. Regards, Sid Gustafson DVMSid Gustafson DVMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01609352738495482793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886161096540485165.post-33854988345010496932012-02-20T08:44:56.445-07:002012-02-20T08:44:56.445-07:00All horses bleed to some extent when pressed to ex...All horses bleed to some extent when pressed to exertion. That said, the Flair Equine Nasal Strip is just as effective as lasix/salix at preventing and controlling bleeding at racing speeds. The science backs it up -- lots and lots of science.<br /><br />Why is it that this inexpensive, drug-free product is not a very large part of this conversation? No drugs, proven prevention, everyone keeps working, horses keep running, none of the side-effects of lasix/salix AND horses can run more often without having to wait weeks for electrolytes and fluids balances to be restored.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com