Re: Drug questions - endurance drugs : )

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

Hi, Kris--

1)  Naquasone--yes, I have had some experience with this drug in horses, and
it does work to reduce swelling in appropriate cases.

2)  Azium--this is dexamethasone, which is a steroid like cortisone, and yes,
it is a prohibited drug for competition.

3)  Arnica--many "natural" remedies work precisely because they contain
compounds that are, in essence, drugs.  A lot of drugs are simply purified
forms of natural remedies.  Natural compounds may be anti-inflamatory,
antihistamine, antibiotic, etc., or may alter cardiac function, neural
function, etc.  Hence, one must be very careful with "natural" remedies in
competition, as many have very profound pharmacological effects, and many can
and do "test."

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)