Why is betamethasone banned in horse races?

Why is betamethasone banned in horse races?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid, meaning it’s a man-made steroid that resembles cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland. While legal as a therapeutic aid for horses, it is illegal when found in the blood on race day because it’s considered a possible performance-enhancer.

Why are anti inflammatories illegal in horse racing?

In 2010 the United States Equestrian Federation created a new rule that only allows the use of one NSAID during races. This rule came about because of a practice known as “stacking.” The previous rule allowed two NSAIDs to be used as long as phenylbutazone and flunixin were not used together (Sweeney, 2010).

Why is Lasix banned in horse racing?

After the race, Imprimis trainer Joe Orseno questioned the Lasix ban after seeing his horse bleeding from a nostril. Orseno said a veterinarian exam confirmed Imprimis had trace levels of Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging, the exact condition Lasix is used to prevent.

Why is lidocaine banned in horse racing?

Lidocaine is an ingredient in many human creams. I know with certainty that I have never administered lidocaine to any of my horses, ever, and that this has to be an environmental contamination. The amount involved would not affect a horse’s performance. “I must serve a 10- day suspension for this infraction.

How do you treat a racing horse that bleeds?

Treatments. The medical treatment for EIPH is to administer a diuretic called Furosemide (brand name Lasix among others) 4 hours before exercise, which increases urine output and thus reduces blood volume. In this way it has been shown to reduce calculated pulmonary capillary blood pressure and transmural pressure.

What drug do they give horses?

Nearly all horses that race today take the two most popular substances — Lasix, to combat bleeding, and the pain-relieving anti-inflammatory, Phenylbutazone, or “bute.”