Questions Still Unanswered in Baffert Sudden Deaths

[Whirlaway]

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/questions-still-unanswered-in-baffert-sudden-deaths/

~

California Racing Loses Another Horse to Sudden Death Syndrome

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Jul/03/california-horse-deaths/

[TJ]

Baffert exonerated by CHRB concerning the sudden deaths of 7 of his runners. TJ
http://www.drf.com/news/baffert-exonera ... ine-deaths

[Patuxet]

I wouldn't say Baffert has been completely exonerated. This statement by Arthur -- and not quoted in full by DRF -- seems to contain something of a "at least so far" element.

“The conclusion on a scientific basis would be that there is something different about Baffert, about the Hollywood Park main track and the barn, but we couldn’t find anything,” said Arthur. “It doesn’t change the fact we don’t have an answer. What it does do is say, ‘'There’s something wrong here.'"

Baffert admitted to Arthur during the investigation that he had the thyroid drug Thyro-L administered to all of the horses in his stable. Arthur termed that "troublesome" and said it was rare for the medication to be used that extensively. “I haven’t found a barn that uses it on all their horses,” he said.

So just why did Baffert think it was necessary to give it to every one of his horse? Certainly all of them couldn't suffer from a thyroid deficiency.

This is indeed "troublesome", especially in light of the fact that that over-treatment in humans is known to have adverse cardiovascular effects such as an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and can precipitate angina or arrhythmias.

In March Baffert stopped his wholesale thyroid dosing and since then not one of his horses has died of non-musculoskeletal injuries. Just another coincidence, like a sudden cluster of seven deaths? I suspect not.

[TJ]

I wouldn't say Baffert has been completely exonerated. This statement by Arthur -- and not quoted in full by DRF -- seems to contain something of a "at least so far" element.

“The conclusion on a scientific basis would be that there is something different about Baffert, about the Hollywood Park main track and the barn, but we couldn’t find anything,” said Arthur. “It doesn’t change the fact we don’t have an answer. What it does do is say, ‘'There’s something wrong here.'"

Baffert admitted to Arthur during the investigation that he had the thyroid drug Thyro-L administered to all of the horses in his stable. Arthur termed that "troublesome" and said it was rare for the medication to be used that extensively. “I haven’t found a barn that uses it on all their horses,” he said.

So just why did Baffert think it was necessary to give it to every one of his horse? Certainly all of them couldn't suffer from a thyroid deficiency.

This is indeed "troublesome", especially in light of the fact that that over-treatment in humans is known to have adverse cardiovascular effects such as an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and can precipitate angina or arrhythmias.

In March Baffert stopped his wholesale thyroid dosing and since then not one of his horses has died of non-musculoskeletal injuries. Just another coincidence, like a sudden cluster of seven deaths? I suspect not.

Hi Patuxet,
I was reiterating the "exonerated" headline, although I to agree....it seems strange that his horses were all receiving the Thyro-L additive? Although in the eyes of the authorities this is over and Baffert will be held blameless for these deaths. I decided to look into why he may have been using it. This particular drug is used in horses that you are having a weight problem with. It also aids in preventing a condition known as hyperlipidemia brought on by stress and food rich in carbs, this condition can bring on laminitis....it is also though to prevent laminitis (according to the company's research)....shades of Paynter. This could be why he started giving it to all his horses?? In any case, it is strange that when he stopped so did the sudden deaths....whether this had something to do with it or not, lets hope it's over. Below read the reports of all the sudden death tragedies that have occurred in California and an in depth report on each of the equine deaths, plus additional information used by the CHRB in reaching their decision and certain statistical info regarding sudden deaths. Interesting and informative read and seemed to be thoroughly examined. TJ
http://www.chrb.ca.gov/veterinary_repor ... l_1121.pdf

[Diane]

Thanks TJ,
I guess BB probably shared his reasons with his owners and answered questions well enough to satisfy all but the public. It seems that transparency is still less than crystal when details like that are omitted.

[TJ]

Thanks TJ,
I guess BB probably shared his reasons with his owners and answered questions well enough to satisfy all but the public. It seems that transparency is still less than crystal when details like that are omitted.

Hi Diane,
This is just my assumption as to why he may have been using this in all his horses....used much like a supplement, rather than a drug. The anomaly was, although he used Thyro-L on all his horses...all 7 horses were stabled at Hollywood Park only, leading investigators to test the environment and air quality in the Hollywood barn. Although these deaths were tragic, the report brought out an interesting finding in the death of one horse. Case #7 was found to die from blood in her lungs due to severe EIPH. TJ

[BenB]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

[TJ]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

[valjoe]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

[TJ]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

[Whirlaway]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

TJ,

I'm wondering . . . do you possess an academic degree, professional degree or any certified professional or academic training related to the study of the horse?

[valjoe]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

TJ, I don't know what are you talking about, here are quotes from the report regarding cases #2 and #7

Case #2 was racing on Lasix. He was routinely
treated with adjunct bleeding medications. Attending veterinarian Dr. Keith Latson acknowledged EIPH


Case #7 was treated with Lasix to work and Lasix and estrone to race

[TJ]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

TJ, I don't know what are you talking about, here are quotes from the report regarding cases #2 and #7

Case #2 was racing on Lasix. He was routinely
treated with adjunct bleeding medications. Attending veterinarian Dr. Keith Latson acknowledged EIPH


Case #7 was treated with Lasix to work and Lasix and estrone to race

Hi valjoe,
If you re-read it you will see that there were two possible causes for the 2nd case which Ben B had mentioned. Case 7's cause of death was EIPH and although you are correct, she used lasix and adjunct bleeder meds in works and races....she was lasix free the day she collapsed and died due to a severe EIPH episode during a routine morning gallop. By the way...most all trainers that are in favor of lasix are not in favor of adjuct bleeder meds. They are far more dangerous to a horses well being. The bottom line here is that EIPH will and has caused death in the race horse. TJ

[TJ]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

TJ,

I'm wondering . . . do you possess an academic degree, professional degree or any certified professional or academic training related to the study of the horse?

Hi Whirl,
Keep wondering:>) That's why this is an anonymous forum. In the mean time, know that EIPH can and will cause death in the race horse, as shown in these autopsies. Keep googling....you will find out that what I wrote about bleeders and lung scaring is a fact. I might add that if you understand the hows and whys of EIPH you will have no problem racing without it. The more you know about it, the easier it is for you to go drug free, if the ban on Lasix comes to pass. In addition after a severe bleeding episode, blood remains in the lungs for at least two months.....that's how long it takes the animals body to remove the blood from their lungs. You should wait at least that long before returning a horse to the races or it will compound his chances to bleed severely in his next race, even with lasix. TJ

[valjoe]

Case 2 Is interesting at least, an horse known for unsoundness and lot of treatments with lasix and adjunct medication.

Hi Ben,
Yes it is....although the cause seems to be one of two possibilities EIPH or cardiac failure. EIPH is a silent killer and many are not aware of how many sudden deaths are attributed to it. Though case #7 was definitely due to EIPH....therefore two of Bafferts 7 sudden deaths could be attributed to EIPH. TJ

hi TJ

EIPH is not a silent killer, it's the use of lasix that makes it appear that way

Hi valjoe,
I won't get into whether or not it is a silent killer, as long as we agree it is a killer. EIPH was described as the cause of death in one of the sudden death cases and a possible cause of death in another. Lasix limits the episodes of severe EIPH which, if not treated and monitored, will reach a critical level of bleeding....repeated episodes of severe bleeding will create scaring in the lungs. When the scaring in the lungs becomes that severe due to repeated bleeding episodes, it's possible for that horse to bleed under any increase of respiration, as did Baffert's horse as he bled out during a routine gallop without lasix. TJ

TJ, I don't know what are you talking about, here are quotes from the report regarding cases #2 and #7

Case #2 was racing on Lasix. He was routinely
treated with adjunct bleeding medications. Attending veterinarian Dr. Keith Latson acknowledged EIPH


Case #7 was treated with Lasix to work and Lasix and estrone to race

Hi valjoe,
If you re-read it you will see that there were two possible causes for the 2nd case which Ben B had mentioned. Case 7's cause of death was EIPH and although you are correct, she used lasix and adjunct bleeder meds in works and races....she was lasix free the day she collapsed and died due to a severe EIPH episode during a routine morning gallop. By the way...most all trainers that are in favor of lasix are not in favor of adjuct bleeder meds. They are far more dangerous to a horses well being. The bottom line here is that EIPH will and has caused death in the race horse. TJ

hi TJ
and that is exactly the problem with Lasix, it will hide the bleeding and enable horses who shouldn't be even galloping to race