Re: Function of Lasix (537 Views)
Posted by:
Bull (IP Logged)
Date: June 26, 2007 01:39AM
Just thought I would chime in and add to the discussion on lasix and how it works in horses. Alm pointed out that the bladder is so close to the horse's lungs that the extra pressure of a full bladder causes problems on the lungs. I am not sure this is the EXACT reason why a horse bleeds.
For a horse to get administered Lasix by a vet, it has to be diagnosed with EIPH, which stands for Excercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage. During strenuous activity, internal fluids inside the horse place extreme pressure on the lungs, forcing the capillaries to burst, and therefore bleed. The blood is obviously visible as it comes up through the lungs and is often exhaled out of the nose. The point of Lasix is to curb the capillary bleeding in a horse's lungs. This is done by reducing the amount of water/fluid found mostly in the veins and arteries. creating less stress on the capillaries and making them less likely to break.
Furosemide (the clinical name for Lasix) is considered a "Loop Diuretic". It works by forcing the kidneys to remove water from the blood and put it into the urine. This basically increases the amount of urine, hence the extra "peeing" of the horse.
Hope this helps.
-Bull
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