Kentucky Equine Research (KER) has released a technical bulletin, titled “Furosemide Use in Racehorses: A Nutritional Perspective,” summarizing research on the use of furosemide, performed both by KER and independent scientists.

Approximately 90% of Thoroughbreds and 70% of Standardbreds are treated with furosemide (known as Lasix or Salix) prior to competition. Use of the drug is also becoming prevalent in barrel racing. KER performed a series of studies on furosemide use, tracking the effects of the drug on body weight, water consumption and mineral losses, as well as recovery time. The results of these studies are summarized in the technical bulletin.

Visit http://promos.ker.com/race-recovery/ to download a copy of the paper.

To improve weight recovery and replace these mineral losses, KER developed a two-stage electrolyte program called Race Recovery. Race Recovery Paste is used immediately after racing and serves to stimulate thirst and hasten body-weight recovery. KER studies have shown that horses had a 17% increase in 24-hour water intake and a 30% improvement in body-weight rebound when given Race Recovery Paste compared to control horses. Race Recovery Powder is fortified with highly bioavailable sources of electrolytes and minerals. KER balance trials have shown that Race Recovery Powder is effective in replacing electrolytes, including calcium and magnesium, lost in sweat and urine in exercised horses treated with furosemide.

Race Recovery is the newest addition to the KERx line of special-needs supplements developed by KER. The range of products addresses commonplace conditions like obesity and gastrointestinal health as well as complex problems like tying-up and bone demineralization. Backed by science and preferred by veterinarians, KERx products are designed with one goal in mind: to optimize horse health.

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is an international equine nutrition, research and consultation company serving both the horse producer and the feed industry. Its goal is to advance the industry’s knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology and apply this knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses. For more information, see www.ker.com or call 888-873-1988. Subscribe to our award-winning newsletter (http://www.equinews.com/newsletters), or follow KER on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KentuckyEquineResearch) and Twitter (twitter.com/kyequine) for the latest on equine nutrition and exercise physiology research.