The West Virginia Racing Commission (WVRC) heard the pros and cons of race-day furosemide use Sept. 17 and pledged to examine the steps necessary to implement mandatory administration of the anti-bleeding drug by regulatory or third-party veterinarians.

The three-hour meeting served as a information-gathering session for the commission in light of ongoing national discussion about use of furosemide, commonly known as Salix or Lasix. Race-day Salix is legal in West Virginia, but the commission has submitted to the legislation a rule that would ban use of adjunct bleeder medications on race day.

"One thing that is very apparent is there are both proponents and opponents," WVRC chairman Joe Smith said to begin the meeting in Charleston. "I have to think further research is needed to be done to find out if Lasix is performance-enhancing or performance-enabling. What’s best for the industry and the horse is the priority of the racing commission."

There were no surprises during the meeting, with horsemen supporting continued use of Salix and a few industry groups-The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA)-advocating for change. A representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, called for more drastic changes