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Amid the controversy over banning the use of furosemide/Lasix/Salix in racing horses, it is somewhat ironic than another therapy, use of a nasal strip, has proved to have a similar effect in reducing exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).

The administration of Lasix/Salix has been shown to reduce the amount of bleeding in horses that are suffering from EIPH. This reduction can be credited to the diuretic action of the medication. Nasal strips act in a different way but have a comparable result. The adhesive strips contain a spring that helps to hold the horse’s nasal passages open as it breathes during a race. Larger airways allow air to enter the horse’s lungs more easily with less vacuum pressure. Because high vacuum pressure is one factor related to bleeding from capillaries in the lungs, use of the strips tends to reduce bleeding during strenuous exercise such as racing.

In a study conducted at Kentucky Equine Research, eight Thoroughbred horses were tested on a high-speed treadmill to compare the effect of using Lasix/Salix, a nasal strip, or both treatments as the horses performed maximal sprint exercise. Results showed that the number of red blood cells recovered from the lungs after exercise was reduced in all treated horses compared to control horses. The researchers concluded that use of a nasal strip was a viable alternative to the use of Lasix/Salix for lessening of EIPH in racing horses.

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