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PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL HBPA, Lexington, Kentucky
February 25, 2013

EXPERT VETERINARY PANEL ADDRESSES LASIX AND CALCIUM LOSS

At the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association’s recently concluded Winter Convention, a panel of expert veterinarians addressed the questions of calcium loss in horses as a result of the use of the anti-bleeding medication Lasix (furosemide), and the effectiveness of Lasix in treating EIPH.  The panel concluded that administration of Lasix has no adverse effects on horses and without doubt is effective in treating pulmonary bleeding.

Dr. Lawrence R. Bramlage, noted surgeon with Kentucky’s Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, started the discussion with a presentation on bone development and strength in race horses. Based on his experience and scientific studies Dr. Bramlage said Lasix does not affect bone strength nor does it cause circulatory dehydration at usual pre-race doses; Bramlage said he favors Lasix use because of its effectiveness in lessening pulmonary bleeding during a race, though he is mindful of the political questions it creates.

Dr. Thomas Tobin, Director of the University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Toxicology, followed with a toxicologist’s perspective. He concluded that Lasix was not likely to have any adverse effect because a single pre-race dose rapidly clears a horse’s system and its pharmacologic impact ends within an hour of administration. Tobin also stressed that unlike other medication Lasix is not metabolized by a horse.