HORSE SCRATCHED FROM RACE RECEIVED TWO LASIX SHOTS

[Patuxet]

At Churchill Downs a horse had to be scratched after two state-employed veterinarians gave it two Lasix shots about 25 minutes apart. The horse’s trainer said that the horse’s groom speaks little English and most of the barn crew was on the front side preparing to run three other horses..

Imagine a PEB cartoon in which vets run around like cowboys brandishing cocked syringes.

[Patuxet]

For the second time in as many racing days, a horse at Churchill Downs had to be scratched after receiving two pre-race shots of furosemide (Lasix). The same state veterinarian gave both shots which was not the case in the first instance.

The state vet came and treated the gelding for Wednesday’s fourth race, then came back later and gave him another shot despite his groom’s protests.

The Equine Medical Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stated that the veterinarian involved in the second case was no longer employed by the commission.

[TJ]

It's hard to believe that the state vets could be this unorganized, especially since they've messed this up before. All they have to do, after they administer the lasix....is simply stick a "lasix given" tag on the horse's halter (or door) with the date, time and name of the administering vet (and a cell phone number just in case these bozo's still aren't sure:>)? TJ

[Jane]

It is very hard to believe the vet couldn't remember already giving the horse a shot since there is only a 30 minute window to administer the meds... the guy must have been drunk or something.

Just when you think youve seen it all.

[ageecee]

fire the state vet

[Sylvie Hebert]

A late friend called the state vets and other track vets "needle pushers" and "incompetent morons that got their certificate from a crackerjack box" I think he had a point there...