Effect of furosemide on urine specific gravity and osmolality in thoroughbred racehorses.
Postrace urine samples from thoroughbred horses were examined to compare osmolality and specific gravity between horses treated with furosemide and those not treated. Samples were assigned to groups in relation to reported medication (furosemide) status, race finish position, and distance of race. Urine osmolality was significantly (P <.05) lower in samples from horses treated with furosemide when compared with untreated horses. Specific gravity determinations are less precise at measuring urine osmolality at lower levels (1.01 g/ml or less). The measurement of osmolality is a superior method for determining the urine solute concentration and facilitating the regulation of furosemide.
Bosken
Jeffrey M
JM
Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
Tobin
Thomas
T
Mundy
George D
GD
Fisher
Mitzi
M
Gantz
Marie G
MG
Banks
Robert O
RO
D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005665:Furosemide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011897:Random Allocation; D013046:Specific Gravity / Q000187:drug effects*; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide