The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) will tackle several issues, including the use of furosemide on race day during its winter convention Jan. 12-16 in Hollywood Beach, Fla.

Furosemide, known as Salix or Lasix, will be discussed Jan. 14 during the National HBPA Medication Committee forum. The organization said the "scientific case" for use of the drug to control exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging (EIPH) will be the focus.

Use of the drug on race day was a high-priority industry issue in 2011. No racing regulatory body has yet taken action to ban furosemide on race day.

Panelists will be Steven Barker, MSc, PhD, chemist for the Louisiana State Racing Commission; Thomas Brokken, DVM, a long-time racetrack veterinarian; Mark Dedomenico, MD, a heart surgeon who owns Eclipse Award winner Blind Luck; and Thomas Tobin, MVB, MSc, PhD, MRCVS, DABT, a professor at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center and the National HBPA veterinary adviser