Use of Lasix

Question
Stephanie,
We have claimed a horse and I have a couple of questions regarding the Vet bills and use of drugs. First, do most trainers use Lasix during official works or just at race time? Second, what should be an average Vet bill for a horse that is in good condition? Third, does hylauronic acid really work or is it just added income for the vet? Fourth, what should the vet's relationship be with the trainer and the owner?
Thanks,
Pat


Answer
The use of Lasix varies from trainer to trainer.  If I have a horse that needs Lasix to run, then I also use it when that horse works.  The idea is that blood in the lungs causes infection and scarring, which means permanent damage to the lung tissue.  Every bit of scarring lessens the amount of air that the lungs can hold, so I'm a firm believer in "better safe than sorry".
Hylauronic acid is the real thing.  Expensive, but worth every penny.  Hylauronic replaces damaged synovial fluid in the joint, allowing the joint to again move freely without pain.  Synovial fluid is like oil in the joint capsule, it keeps the joint lubricated, so that the bones do not rub against one another.  As the joint suffers wear and tear or actual damage, the synovial fluid loses its lubricating properties, becoming more like water, and the joint starts to get painful.  By removing some of the degraded synovial fluid, and replacing it with hyluronic acid, the joint is restored to a more normal function.  It is not usually a one time deal, though, and how often depends on how much stress the joint is under.  It is usually given along with a small amount of an anti-inflammatory steroid, in order to reduce swelling immediately after the injection. Swelling in a joint is not a good thing.
There really is no average vet bill for a horse in good condition.  It just depends on what the horse needs. Even a horse in good condition can require vet work on a regular basis, just due to the normal stress of racing.
A vet's relationship with the trainer and or owner is totally dependent on the trainer and the owner.  Generally speaking, a vet assumes that your trainer has the final say as far as treatment, and acts accordingly.  If this isn't the case, you need to talk things over with your trainer, and inform the vet that you wish to be contacted before any vet work is done on your horse.  Usually, this won't be a popular choice for your trainer or for your vet.Most vets don't want the added hassle of discussing treatment with the trainer, and then doing it all over again with the owner. But if this is your choice, it is definitely your right to have things arranged this way.
But practically speaking, if you trust your trainer, then he will know what is acceptable treatment to have done on his own, and when you need to be informed first.  If you don't trust your trainer, then you need to find a new one, and fast.
As an example,in my stable, I talk things over with the owner when I start to suspect a problem, letting him know what the likely outcome will be, and then if there is a major change in the game plan, I'll call him before authorizing additional treatment that may break the budget that we discussed. If they wish to talk to the vet directly about something, they can, and I encourage it for difficult problems that the vet might be able to explain better than I can.  But for routine maintenance, I don't bother to call.  I know the general budget constraints of my owners, and I try to work within them as much as possible, and calling them when it isn't.  But for the most part my owners trust that I know what is needed, and when.  When push comes to shove, you are paying your trainer for his knowledge and expertise.  If you doubt either, then you need a different trainer.

Good Luck with your new claim,
Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com