Part 2: Use of Lasix
in Training & Racing
If Lasix is likely to prevent bleeders why is it not allowed on race day to prevent bleeders?
Any drug that is known or suspected to be performance-enhancing is banned in racing in Ireland and in most racing jurisdictions. Lasix can also interfere with routine laboratory tests for prohibited substances by masking the presence in the horse’s system of other performance-enhancing substances with far more direct benefits e.g. ‘Bute’. Most US equine vets strongly reject this, claiming that their testing has advanced to the point where Lasix is no longer effective in hiding other drug use.Critics say Lasix is used primarily as a performance-enhancing drug, in effectively dropping a horse’s blood pressure and body weight dramatically on race day. Others assert that it merely allows a horse to run to its true form. By using drugs such as Lasix, the perception of many is that we are attempting to adapt the horse to the demands of the industry through the use of performance altering drugs, instead of adapting the demands of the industry to the limitations of the individual horse and the breed. The ultimate concern is the degradation of the thoroughbred breed. Race-day medication is seen by many as a substitute or a crutch for skilful training, veterinary input and horsemanship and that no horse should run if it needs or is given medication to do so.There are additional justifiable concerns about dehydration and electrolyte imbalance particularly in certain climatic conditions, for example potassium, which is lost in increased amounts in the urine, post-Lasix. The drug may also cause decreased levels of blood calcium.There are major concerns about the impact of race day Lasix on the consistency of racing performances and on the principle that a race should be a test of the best athlete at that particular point in time. The ongoing aspiration to achieve international harmonisation of medication policy and having a ‘clean’ transparent sport for the betting public, owners, sponsors and for the industry is well justified from all stakeholders long-term perspectives.Is Lasix permitted on race day in other countries?
Lasix is banned in every major racing jurisdiction outside of North America and Canada where its use both on race day and in training has been common - place in racing for approximately 30 years. Examples of high profile positive drug tests include the disqualification of a Japan champion after finishing third in the Prix de l’Arc, the withdrawal of the sprinter Takeover Target from the Hong Kong Sprint after failing pre-race tests and the disqualification of the Dubai World Cup runner-up Brass Hat, weeks after the race; like Deep Impact, he had failed a post race test.Why is there such a divergence of Rules & Opinions on the use of Lasix in Racing?
Some of the US defenders of Lasix say its use is a basic animal welfare issue – that bleeding can harm horses and Lasix stops EIPH (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage). The fact that a high percentage of horses in the US race on Lasix could be seen to back that claim, as the vast majority do not suffer severe bleeds. But this performance-enhancing drug is also used there in very young race horses to pre-empt the problem from initially developing, particularly in animals that are perceived to be genetically susceptible.On the other hand, there is some evidence to suggest that EIPH - positive horses have a higher number of lifetime starts and a higher number of days in training, than EIPH negative horses. In other words, these results would indicate that the diagnosis of EIPH did not impact the length of the racing career or the total number of starts. This dilutes the argument that overuse of Lasix may potentially cause some harm to a horse on the long-term. It also challenges the claim that the use of race day Lasix is necessary to protect the health and welfare of race horses. Basically, most horses are not harmed over time by the commonly occurring presence of very light traces of blood on scope post-race, or post ‘breeze’ in horses in training, making the need for Lasix in many horses non - existent. Are there different categories or degrees of bleeding?
Of the relatively few horses that experience serious epistaxis/bleeding, most would agree that Lasix is unlikely to help these horses. They would be considered by most vets to be suffering from a pathological condition and require more serious medical treatment combined with extended rest.There is a further or ‘middle’ type or category of bleeding, quite commonly seen. On a post-race scope, these horses show evidence of a lung bleed likely to have interfered with their performance. These ‘bleeds’ could in many of these cases, mean a difference between winning and losing a race.Is EIPH or Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage/Bleeders a hereditary trait in horses?
There is some interesting evidence that has emerged from recently completed investigations in Australia, where race day medications are not permitted, focused on the genetic susceptibility or predisposition of horses to developing EIPH. The conclusion from these investigations was that some horses’ genetic make- up clearly contributes to the likelihood of its experiencing epistaxis, i.e. becoming a bleeder. On this basis, from the breeding perspective, a significant concern is that the use of medication that masks bleeding/epistaxis may lead to the promotion of the breeding of horses carrying a genetic susceptibility to this condition. If this is true the continued permissive medication policies of American racing could possibly harm the quality of their breeding stock and decrease the value of their horses on the international market. Consequently, the use of Lasix is not only a racing issue but also a bloodstock breeding matter. While the debate looks set to continue indefinitely, evidence suggests that the use of race day Lasix is neither necessary nor prudent.In international racing terms, the urgent need for uniform medication rules around the world, both on and off the track, is well acknowledged particularly with the ever increasing number of international race meetings. One of the main hopes for all involved in horse racing is a level playing field in terms of veterinary medication.The FEI (International Equestrian Federation) have a well established policy on harmonisation of medication controls for Sport Horses competing worldwide.Surely this clearly demonstrates that it can also be done successfully and effectively for racing worldwide?