Gary Contessa on Medications: Good? Bad? Ugly?

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

You can say a study says 80% are bleeders, but we know that has not been the case on the track historically. That's why bettors would ask "why is he on lasix?" Bleeding was the exception. Lasix should not be considered until a horse has bled post race on the track. If I'm correct, 30 years ago in Florida horses went on a 30 day vet list where they couldn't run if they had bled. Then the vet could ok lasix. I worked with Standardbreds and have also been a bettor. Currently I'm a small share owner. If the excuse of using lasix is to keep horses from developing pneumonia or lung issues, I'm nearly certain scoping doesn't cost that much to do. Finally, haven't there been studies that show lasix contributes to weakening bone growth? I'm not against Lasix. Btw, didn't "lasix" start off as a brand name? Anyway, I'm not against the use. I just don't agree with giving them to a horse unless they have bled significantly on the racetrack. Gary, if possible, I'd like you to respond to my questions. Thanks

[@tartanmeadowbloodstock785]

The discussion on Lasix was very interesting and is food for thought by racing regulatory bodies, especially the comparison between administering Lasix and pre race water deprivation , the latter being the most practical alternative. I wish the discussion on painkillers was more in depth. Take bute for example, it can be used in training subject to a holding period before a race. This is necessary because bute provides pain relief but the source of pain still remains unchanged, and in a race this greatly increases the chance of further damage to the source of pain and even breaking down. And then there is the question of abuse - say if painkillers were not subject to a holding period, how does one control its usage ? There will be numerous incidents of horses receiving painkillers in order to race when their conditions are such that they should not be racing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@bobbypointer1592]

Man as a college football player you are spot on mid season I had to have Cortizone shots weekly just to play

[@jancizinsky6194]

Lasix is strictly prohibited in Europe.

[@pedroolvera8264]

What about vitamin?

[@jeannieparisi1824]

What I am opposed to is racing these babies, their backs are not fully developed nor are their legs,,,,