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Bronchodilators
What are the similarities between clenbuterol for horses and albuterol for
people? Is clenbuterol used in the same way, and how common is its use?
Racehorses have a specialized occupation,and thus their the inflammation.Both work very rapidly when adminis- own set of specific problems. Due to the nature of their use and their environment, the most frequent problems veteri- There are major differences between the two. Clenbuterol narians deal with on a daily basis involve two major systems has a much more pronounced expectorant activity that in the racehorse – the musculoskeletal system and the res- clears out mucous and debris from the airway. Clenbuterol piratory system. These creatures are quite fragile, and is also effective when given systemically in the horse. It can numerous problems can develop over the course of their be fed or given orally, and the effects on the lungs occur careers. However, as a practicing veterinarian, the majority rapidly and can last for a fairly long period.
of the cases I deal with involve their legs and lungs.
Albuterol is not as effective when given systemically. There With regard to lung and respiratory problems, it’s impor- are albuterol tablets and syrup for human use, but they are tant to keep in mind that these horses spend much of their poorly absorbed in a horse’s stomach. Therefore, albuterol time in closed environments – a 12 by 14 ft. box stall. The is mainly administered through some sort of inhalant sys- quality of ventilation in stalls/barns can vary anywhere tem, directly to the lungs. It works quickly – within minutes from poor to quite acceptable, but it still isn’t the same as – but only lasts for up to three hours.
One side effect common to both drugs is the so-called Horses typically inhale allergens from their bedding and “anabolic” effect. Some believe that clenbuterol builds mus- feed, and expose their lungs and throats to many irritants.
cle mass, much like anabolic steroids. In my opinion, what On the track, they get dirt kicked in their faces and routine- is actually occurring is a decrease in the percentage of body ly inhale track material. Throw in the fact that running at 35 fat, through increases in lipase activity. Lipase is a com- mph elevates their blood pressure and increases the blood pound that, in essence, burns fat. The result is leaner mus- volume flowing through thin capillaries in their lungs, and their respiratory system gets stressed. If a horse eventually While albuterol is commonly used and very effective in bleeds as a result, the stage can be set for a viral or bacteri- humans, clenbuterol is the drug of choice when treating al infection. Chronic repeated “insults” to the lungs can respiratory diseases in the horse. In fact, I believe that it is result in diseases such as recurrent airway obstruction one of the best drugs to be approved for use in the horse in (RAO) or “heaves,” or inflammatory airway disease (IAD).
a long time. It is responsible for significantly healthier hors- Two of the most commonly used medications to treat es. The healthier the horse, the less downtime and the more these syndromes are clenbuterol (Ventipulmin) and we get to see him do what we are in the business for in the albuterol. Both belong in the same class of drugs known as beta-2 agonists and therefore have some of the same effects;but there are also some significant differences.
Dr. Kuhlmann has been a practicing veterinarian on the Many owners are familiar with these medications since Northern California racetrack circuit since 1983. A native of albuterol is quite commonly prescribed in human medi- Colorado Springs, Colorado and graduate of the Colorado cine, and clenbuterol has been the subject of frequent State School of Veterinary Medicine, he has served on the debate in racing circles. Both medications cause bron- board of the Northern California Equine Foundation. He has chodilation, which opens up the airways and allows easier also owned and bred horses for more than 20 years, most breathing when congestion or mucous are present. They notably California sensation Lava Man. also reduce inflammation in the lungs by decreasing theproduction of the compounds – “mediators” – that cause 16

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