Veterinarians’ group seeks Lasix alternative

The American Association of Equine Practitioners said it will support a ban on the race-day use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide if an “alternative of equal or greater efficacy” can be identified, the AAEP said on Wednesday as part of a 10-point plan to pursue medication reform.

The AAEP, which represents the vast majority of racetrack veterinarians, said it will convene scientists and researchers in an attempt to identify an alternative to the race-day use of furosemide, which is also known as Lasix. The AAEP has in the past supported the race-day use of the drug, in part because of scientific studies that have found the drug effective in mitigating the incidence and severity of bleeding in horses exercising under actual race conditions.

In its statement, the AAEP said a recent review of existing studies on bleeding had found little research on alternative treatments. The use of furosemide on race day is controversial in the U.S. racing industry, and several prominent national groups have been working aggressively to roll back rules that allow for race-day use.

Sally Baker, a spokeswoman for the AAEP, said the effort will be designed to identify medications that could have the same or better effect as Lasix without the drug being used on race day, as well as non-drug equine-management practices.

The 10-point plan also states that the AAEP continues to support the adoption of a set of uniform rules in all U.S. racing jurisdictions. The rules have so far been adopted in large part by states accounting for a majority of the U.S. racing handle, but many states have also approved minor modifications, while others have lagged.

The AAEP also said in its 10-point plan that it supports a ban on the use of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication within 48 hours of a race. Although several NSAIDs are banned within two days of a race, many states allow the use of phenylbutazone 24 hours prior to a race, but the AAEP said studies have shown that the drugs may still have a painkilling effect that could influence pre-race exams for lameness.

The plan was released in the wake of a debate over federal legislation that would create a panel that would set medication rules for all racing jurisdictions. The work on the 10-point plan started before the legislation was introduced, and the AAEP has not yet adopted a position on the federal plan.