Medication Summit

The International Race Day Medication Summit was held June 13-14 at Belmont Park and it was described as a "baby step." The purpose of the summit was to educate industry leaders about the use of lasix (Salix) in the U.S., the only country that permits the use of lasix on race days.

"The summit represents a new beginning and a new opportunity to begin a journey," said Dr. Palmer. "I sensed a spirit of consensus that our problems are real and medication is one of them. A number of options were proposed and evaluated. We have the opportunity to use this summit as a springboard to develop actions to address these issues."

Fans of Barbaro will recognize Palmer as one of the physicians on hand when Barbaro broke his leg at the Preakness. Though not on duty, he was a guest of Michael Matz at the race. He was the one who told the Jacksons that he thought Barbaro should go to New Bolton for surgery because he was so calm under duress, not the typical reaction to a horse in trauma.

To say there is no consensus is putting it mildly. "I would say we identified broad areas of interest that have to do with administration options with Salix, securities, penalties, education, and research." The follow-up meeting will be in July and it will consist of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium board.

It is clear that Salix is one of the best treatment for legitimate bleeding issues in horses but its use has become almost standard for all horses. Veterinarians from overseas explained how they control bleeding without the drug in countries where it is banned.

Stay tuned. This is going to be a long and winding road but at least they are starting the journey.