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Re: [RC] Rider Drugs - Beverley H. Kane, MDTitle: Re: [RC] Rider Drugs It’s important to make a distinction between classes of drugs and address what each class does functionally and ethically. As several people have pointed out, the most morally justifiable course of action is that one which is kindest and most resonsible to the horse.NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and the Rx ones like Feldene, bute, and Voltaren, work on the inflammation at the site of pain. They do not affect central nervous functioning, except insofar as some people become drowsy when the pain level drops precipitously and they can finally sleep. As such, NSAIDs are actually healing. They do not just cover up pain. Steroids are the ultimate healing anti-inflammatory, but may cause odd cognitive symptoms--”steroid psychosis”--w/ longterm use. Narcotics such as Vicodin, Codeine, and oxycodone (Percodan, Oxycontine) are cover-ups for pain. They do not heal directly at the site of injury. They work on the central nervous system, may cause drowsiness and may impair judgment, strength, balance, position sense, rhythm, and sensory processing. Tyelenol works centrally but does not generally cause any cognitive, motor, or sensory impairment. Alcohol, like the 6-pak of beer that I watched, aghast, 4 riders pop open at the 7:30 AM Virginia City trot by is a central nervous system depressant and tends to have a narcotic effect on the brain. Rescue remedy, arnica, willow, and black walnut are homeopathic pain and fear remedies that, for the people who trust in them, are stronger than allopathics. Multivitamins, kelp, antioxidants, Cytomax, Gatorade, Ensure, chocolate, and Starbucks coffee drinks replenish fuels, fluids, electrolytes, and other nutrients as do sandwiches, burritos, hard boiled eggs, chips, and water. All of the above substances are performance enhancing. It’s just a question of how far down the slippery slope we want to trot. Beverley _____________________________________ Beverley Kane, MD Horsensei Equine-Assisted Learning & Therapy Woodside, CA http://www.horsensei.com
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