This is a great example of why people are so upset about all the drugs used in racing.  If the horse needs so much medicine to be able to run, then maybe they shouldn't be racing.  How about giving them some time off to heal?  How is this being a responsible and caring horse owner?  ~Declan


Published: April 30, 2012  in the New York Times  

One Horse, One Week of Injections

Coronado Heights, a 4-year-old thoroughbred who received a diagnosis of early degenerative joint disease, broke down and was euthanized on the track at Aqueduct on Feb. 25. Below, an illustration of the drugs and dosages given to Coronado Heights the week before he broke down. 

Phenylbutazone

(painkiller)

Bute is an anti- inflammatory used to control pain. It is injected intravenously and can contribute to gastric ulcers.

Estrone

(hemorrage prevention)

A longtime racetrack remedy; an estrogen-based hormone used to prevent pulmonary hemorrhaging while running.

Flunixin

(painkiller)

A very potent anti-inflammatory that acts quicker than phenylbutazone.

Hyaluronic acid

(loosens joints)

A synthetic joint fluid that replaces degraded joint fluid. It improves a horse’s range of motion and reduces swelling.

Lasix

(prevents bleeding)

A diuretic given four hours before races; flushes the system of water and reduces blood pressure to prevent pulmonary hemorrhaging.

Adequan

(promotes healthy cartilage)

A synthetic replacement for cartilage to combat the wear and tear of running.

Xylazine, Detomidine

(sedative)

A sedative injected in a horse’s neck to calm it before injecting the stifle joints in the hind legs.

Vitamin B1

(calms horse)

Commonly administered four or six hours before a race to calm a horse.

Methylprednisolone

(anti-inflammatory)

A powerful cortisone usually shot in the joints to battle arthritis and degenerative joint disease.

Calcuim

(calms horse)

Another intravenous injection usually administered to keep a horse calm and composed.

Syringe photograph by David Bundy for The New York Times