Monitoring furosemide in racehorses participating in an EIPH program

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Equine Sports Medicine

Background:

• Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is a common condition in racehorses.
• Furosemide is frequently administered to manage EIPH, necessitating reliable monitoring.
• Accurate quantification of furosemide is essential for regulatory compliance and animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate analytical methods for detecting furosemide in equine serum and urine.
• To establish a reliable method for monitoring furosemide compliance in racehorses.
• To determine a threshold concentration for serum furosemide in the context of EIPH management.

Main Methods:

• Development of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods with ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence detection.
• Analysis of serum and urine samples from horses administered varying doses of furosemide.
• Validation of analytical procedures for sensitivity, reliability, and application in field conditions.

Main Results:

• HPLC with UV detection reliably measured urinary furosemide up to 12 hours post-administration.
• HPLC with fluorescence detection accurately quantified serum furosemide, with a detection limit of 5-10 ng/ml.
• A serum furosemide threshold concentration of 85 ng/ml was established, correlating with drug administration.

Conclusions:

• Serum furosemide concentration is a valid indicator of compliance with administration protocols in the EIPH program.
• HPLC with fluorescence detection offers a sensitive and reliable method for monitoring serum furosemide in racehorses.
• These analytical advancements support the effective management of EIPH and ensure fair racing practices.