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Discussion on Steroid like dex, flumethasone, or prednisolone with Lasix
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New Member:
jester
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2015 - 10:21 pm:
Hello Dr O.
I have a horse that I barrel race. He is a bleeder and has just recently been diagnosed with heaves due to allergies. I am trying to manage them the best I can with his environment. From time to time when he is having a hard time I dose him with dex or flumethasone. I was even thinking about looking into ADT with prednisolone during summer and fall when his allergies are at their worst. My question is however, after reading the article about steroid use, I came a crossed the section on drug interactions. It was mentioned that steroids should not be used with lasix due to the extreme lowing of potassium levels. I am worried now. I have to dose my horse with lasix before a run and when he is on a steroid how do I deal with that with out causing a problem? Does it depend on the time when I give the dex, flumethasone, or prednisolone? For example, if I were to dose the steroid way earlier or after I run can I safely dose lasix for competition at a different time than the steroid??? What are your thoughts?
Thank you, Jamie
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Member:
rtrotter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2015 - 7:32 am:
Jamie,
The lasix itself will affect the potassium level even without the dex. The way I have combatted this, (my mare races on lasix every week)is to make sure her potassium levels stay level and get replenished after she races. My program is one of prevention and replenishment. I use tubes of vitamins / electrolytes after she races and trains.
As far as allergies go. I use a product called Omega Alpha Airwaves its a herbal remedy, mixed with honey along with environmental management strategies.
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New Member:
jester
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2015 - 12:28 pm:
Hello, thanks for your reply! Yep, I know the effects of lasix. I always give electrolytes after each time I use it too. After reading the article that is was got me worried. Steroids and lasix together exacerbate the lower potassium levels even more then just lasix alone (that's how I understand it at least lol). I'll look into the allergy supplement you mentioned too! Thank you!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 12, 2015 - 6:39 pm:
Hello Jamie,
The article does not say they should not be used together but cautions about possible complications. You should test your horse when the meds are used together and see if supplementation is indicated as hyperkalemia can be as serious performance limiting problem as hypokalemia in the athlete. Note that food stuffs are very variable in the amount of potassium they contain so a change in foodstuff means you should retest. For more on this see HorseAdvice.com » Horse Care » Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding » Minerals and Electrolytes for Horses, an Overview.
DrO
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