PETA undercover in Asmussen's barn - Whoa!

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by JDank34

You do understand that is not illegal correct?

Well, that is debatable. I'm pretty sure it requires a prescription. If I'm right, somebody is doing something that isn't legal, either a vet or a trainer.

Even if it is legal, that is the kind of thinking that will doom the sport. You can't use drugs designed for a medical purpose as a performance enhancer. The sport will not survive without public support, and if that kind of stuff becomes commonplace, that support will vanish, and vanish quickly. It shows complete disregard for the horses.

[JDank34]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Well, that is debatable. I'm pretty sure it requires a prescription. If I'm right, somebody is doing something that isn't legal, either a vet or a trainer.

Even if it is legal, that is the kind of thinking that will doom the sport. You can't use drugs designed for a medical purpose as a performance enhancer. The sport will not survive without public support, and if that kind of stuff becomes commonplace, that support will vanish, and vanish quickly. It shows complete disregard for the horses.

I do not disagree that the sport has plenty of things to clean up. My point is, jumping to conclusions based on a VERY edited video that shows nothing illegal is a disservice to all.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by JDank34

I do not disagree that the sport has plenty of things to clean up. My point is, jumping to conclusions based on a VERY edited video that shows nothing illegal is a disservice to all.

The problem with making the "jumping to conclusions" argument is that it is not like Asmussen has a regulatory record that is anywhere close to pristine. I agree that some of the previously-adjudicated rules violations are not necessarily consistent with "cruelty to animals." That said, the notion that a guy with his track record was on the verge of entering the Hall of Fame is troubling (and is evidence that the sport largely condones his behavior).

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by JDank34

I do not disagree that the sport has plenty of things to clean up. My point is, jumping to conclusions based on a VERY edited video that shows nothing illegal is a disservice to all.

If it requires a prescription, then using it for another purpose is illegal. Am I wrong that a prescription is required from a vet?

[Rileyoriley]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

If it requires a prescription, then using it for another purpose is illegal. Am I wrong that a prescription is required from a vet?

A prescription is required.

[Cannon Shell]

"It is fairly commonly used at the racetrack," the report said. "However, the blanket prescribing of thyroxine to all horses in Baffert's barn does appear unusual. In a sense, the medication was treated more as a supplement than a medication. Thyroxine is most commonly used by veterinarians to assist weight loss in overweight horses, especially when they come in from the farm."

Because all of Baffert's horses received the medication, its use "does not explain why all the fatalities occurred at Hollywood Park," said the report. Arthur noted that Baffert conducted an internal review of his supplement program and discontinued the use of thyroxine in April.



Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...#ixzz2yuXk0SU5

[Rileyoriley]

Thyroxine is used to treat insulin resistance. Using it as a weight loss drug may be legal but ethical? Guess it all depends on your point of view.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Rileyoriley

Thyroxine is used to treat insulin resistance. Using it as a weight loss drug may be legal but ethical? Guess it all depends on your point of view.

Regular (non racehorses) horses that are overweight and show signs of cushings or laminitis are also often given thyroxine to help control their weight. I have a IR horse that gets special feed and has been prescribed thyroxine. Literally thousands of vets prescribe thyroxine as a weight control tool.