Question
I run my barrel racing horses on furosemide (Lasix). If I read the directions correctly for Race Recovery, I should feed the paste after my runs and again that night or next morning, then the powder the next five days. I race almost every weekend, so would this be the powder I would need to keep them on in lieu of the Restore SR? Or could I feed the Restore SR during the week and provide the Race Recovery paste after runs and Recovery powder for that night’s feeding and following morning’s feed?
Answer
For horses that are on Lasix, we recommend Race Recovery over Restore SR.
In research done by Kentucky Equine Research, horses given Lasix lost more calcium, sodium, and chloride than control horses. This effect could last up to 72 hours after the last dose of Lasix before returning to normal. Race Recovery was designed with this in mind, including the electrolytes found in sweat (sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium) and extra calcium to offset the amount lost in urine due to Lasix use.
Since you are running your horses every weekend, this is the recommended product, dose, and timing to help keep your horses in top shape while they are competing.
- Feed 120 g of Race Recovery powder daily during competition (Saturday and Sunday)
- Administer 1 tube of Race Recovery paste daily during competition (Saturday and Sunday)
- Maintain 60 g of Race Recovery powder daily thereafter (Monday-Friday)
With continuous Lasix use, horses may begin to rely on bone metabolism to help bolster their blood calcium levels. Bone stockpiles the body’s store of calcium. To help bolster bone density, we would also recommend Triacton. It features a marine-derived calcium source that is more highly digestible than other forms of the mineral. Research conducted by Kentucky Equine Research with racing Thoroughbreds showed that horses fed 120 g per day had a threefold increase in dorsal cortical bone density. Calcium also helps to buffer the stomach, decreasing the likelihood for ulcer formation. For horses that travel and compete at high levels often, Triacton is recommended.
More reading:
Effects of Furosemide on Performance and Mineral Excretion in Racehorses
Research Highlight: Chronic Lasix Administration in Horses
Kentucky Equine Research Study Benefits Bone Density
