Re: RC: biopsy

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/27/00 6:56:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
johnp@lpsi.barc.usda.gov writes:

<< I shouldn't think that the pre-ride biopsies would need to be done 
 immediately before the ride, a couple of days before should still give a 
 good picture of the horse's pre-ride metabolic state.  A carefully-done 
 biopsy should have no effect on his/her performance after a short 
 recovery period.  Yes, it requires an owner/rider willing to accept a 
 little risk in the interest of science, but this sport is filled with 
 folks who are knowledgeable, curious, and take risks.  Some will likely 
 agree to participate.
 
 John & Dancer (sorry, haven't done a 100 yet!) >>


Well, a biopsy is pretty invasive--a surgical procedure. Brings out a chunk 
of muscle about the size of your little finger. That's the primary reason 
racehorses aren't biopsied prior to being sold for millions of dollars at a 
yearling sale. 

On the other hand, a full blood panel would go a long way in the right 
direction.

ti