I would like the people who are against the use of Lasix to understand what is really going on in the horse racing industry in North America and throughout the world.
Let's start with the fact that horses in high performance sports suffer from EIPH – exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. That includes all performance sports, in all parts of the world – make no mistake about it.
The question is how do you deal with the problem and what is best for the horses and what is best for the sport in question?
Before I go any further, I want to make a statement that I can't get past. It helps me personally clarify the situation: Lasix is a veterinarian-prescribed medication to treat EIPH in horses. It works well and has minimal side effects.
There is no proof that Lasix makes a horse run faster. Horses on Lasix perform more consistently than those not on Lasix. That is true because they are not bleeding internally.
Think of it this way: People suffer from high blood pressure and live longer when they take their doctor-prescribed medication. It is the same for horses who require medication to remain healthy and stop bleeding.
I'm going to do a little rant here.
As a Thoroughbred trainer in North America I'm getting tired of hearing people tell me that they race in other parts of the world without Lasix, why can't you? Well, here is the question you should be asking: If horses everywhere bleed, how is the rest of the world treating these horses? Are they giving them medication the day before? Are they depriving them of food and water for days in advance?
I personally do not know, as I do not race there, but, believe me, they are doing something to solve the problem and it is not prescribed by a veterinarian. So why are people looking down on trainers who are doing what the doctor has prescribed.
The real truth here is that people want to stop the use of Lasix because it would look good for the industry, but not because it is the best thing for the horse. Just ask our veterinarians!
Let me clarify a few things.
I am against the use of other medications on race horses and I believe that everyone in the industry has to be held more responsible for the health and welfare of these animals that we love and respect. Working in this industry is not a job; it is a way of life. Animal care is seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
I am against stopping the use of a prescribed medication that solves a serious health problem in horses, just because it looks better for public perception.
Daniel Vella is a two-time Sovereign Award-winning trainer based in Ontario, Canada.
The post Vella: Don’t Let Public Perception Guide Lasix Policy appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
