Anabolic steroids in show dogs

[Elaine]

Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles. Anabolic steroids also have androgenic and virilizing properties, including the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics such as the growth of the vocal cords and body hair.

Anabolic steroids were first isolated, identified and synthesized in the 1930s, and are now used therapeutically in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite, induce male puberty, and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. The American College of Sports Medicine acknowledges that AAS, in the presence of adequate diet, can contribute to increases in body weight, often in the lean mass compartment and that the gains in muscular strength achieved through high-intensity exercise and proper diet can be additionally increased by the use of AAS in some individuals.[2]

Serious health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart.

Ergogenic uses for anabolic steroids in sports and bodybuilding is controversial, because of their adverse effects and the potential to gain an advantage conventionally considered "unfair." Their use is considered doping and banned by all major sporting bodies. For many years the AAS have been by far the most detected doping substances in IOC-accredited laboratories.[3][4] In countries where AAS are controlled substances, there is often a black market in which smuggled or even counterfeit drugs are sold to users. In those countries some have called for less regulation because of those health risk and corresponding civil rights issues

[Elaine]

What do we think about show dogs being on steroids... and of the vets who dispense these drugs? Is it is good idea, cause the ends justify the means? Or should we kick to the curb the people who abuse dogs this way?

[Jan]

Interesting topic! Know about a lot of abuses in that area.
Jan

[andyhilt27]

It is also interesting to note that the anabolism is not permanent. So a steady supply is often needed in 3 week cycles. 3 on 3 off. If a human male is on steroids for an extended period of time then goes off, often his body will now only produce low amounts of testosterone naturally. Not to mention the addiction to the overproduction of endorphines from being jabbed with a needle many times. yes this is adictive.....many people do not stop at one tattoo or one piercing for this very reason.

I have had some piercings (nevermind the locations) in the past. My ears have been pierced 6 different times, only one hole per ear. I actually craved the piercing feeling. I had to get a tetanus shot last week, I'll be damned if I wasn't craving another jab with a needle the following day.

Now with body builders it gets more complex. They are already most likely addicted to the levels of endorphines from the workouts. Throw into the mix that they now have to spend hours in a gym just to maintain the muscle they have built over the last couple of years. Then a buddy offers a shot or pill to get them over this wall to get bigger. Bam, you got a Roid freak. It is sad. I know 5 people that were juiced, one still is to this day.

The juice is easily obtainable from any doctor not on the up and up. Tell them you want your testosterone levels checked. You could easily be on the lower end. Or you could just go to any gym and look for the largest guy there and inquire where to get 'em.

For any sport they should be banned. How can any sport test for them? The roids change all time to a nondetectable "version".

In dogs, steroids are nothing less than deceit. You see a dog with ripped muscles and want to breed to him, only the dog doesn't have the genetics to produce such muscles naturally.

[Elaine]

. My ears have been pierced 6 different times, only one hole per ear.
Hmmm?

How many ears do you have? :D

In dogs, steroids are nothing less than deceit. You see a dog with ripped muscles and want to breed to him, only the dog doesn't have the genetics to produce such muscles naturally.

Good point!!!

[andyhilt27]

Hmmm?

How many ears do you have? :D

2. The holes closed on them. The larger gauge earrings obviously created a larger hole. Sometimes the holes would close in a matter of 2 days because the tissue had not fully healed. It takes longer than normal rings. No I didn't have those freaky tribal hoop things.:D

I wish I had a better explanation for this. try it out...you'll see.

[dobesign]

Furosemide, or Lasix, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill" is routinely given to flabby dogs that spend waaaaay too much time in a crate travelling to shows, the dogs looked "ripped" because they are extremely dehydrated. I personally know of a breeder in the south west that advocates the use of lasix in this manner to all show people who struggle with conditioning. How do I know? My bitch in season sloshed around the ring and she stopped me OUTSIDE the gate to let me in on the info. And people are surprised when dogs from such kennels are dead at the age of three? Myself, I will sit and eat a two pound bag of cheap and nasty licorice, wash it down with saccharin in my diet soda and live by the motto "eat right, stay fit, die anyway". But such pharmacological indignities will NEVER happen to my dogs!!!

[Elaine]

Brenna,

Having spent time with you, observing your diet, :eek: I have to comment, your secret is out, you are some sort of alien life form, like an Air Fern, drawing sustenance from sources that we mere mortals can not access. You are living testament to the old adage (which I am making up here), “You are not what you eat, you are what you think.” I have seen what you eat, I have no clue what is fueling your body. :p

In contrast, your dogs eat like kings. :)

[MissMerry]

What do we think about show dogs being on steroids... and of the vets who dispense these drugs? Is it is good idea, cause the ends justify the means? Or should we kick to the curb the people who abuse dogs this way?

I have thought long and hard about this subject...not that I condone it, by any means! As I had stated in my little intro when I joined, my husband and
I still own and are previous breeders of thoroughbred race horses....there were times when I was embarassed to tell people this, because of all of the
steroid and drug use in race horses, now, finally, they are banned in ALL states, and regulated very closely. They were used by trainers and owners, both "big-time" derby & breeders cup connections, as well as the "little guy", who only had a small string of horses, not to mention some of the "most respected" breeding farms.

It really bothers me that dog people would even consider this to sell puppies, or try to make their dog look better in the ring or make a prettier picture in the stud book....I guess I was really naive, I just never thought people would stoop so low. It about blew me away, when, one time I was at a dog show, as an observer, and visited the grooming area and saw someone give a dog caffeine! This CANNOT be good for a dog!

I hope this post isn't too long...I get a little carried away about things that I'm passionate about, namely my animals!

[andyhilt27]

It about blew me away, when, one time I was at a dog show, as an observer, and visited the grooming area and saw someone give a dog caffeine! This CANNOT be good for a dog!

I bet you don't see too many Dobes on caffeine.....maybe some on downers. Eva already does backflips without stimulants.:D

[MissMerry]

I know....LOL....I would HATE to see Merry on caffeine....I can't imagine her
being any more energetic than she is "normally", but, that's why we love 'em!

[Elaine]

We hear that steroid use in South American is as common as chaulk and grooming shears.. use of steroids is wide spread, steroids are in every tack box.. they are not illegal.

We hear that in this country certain vets dispense steroids to their special clients... to puff the dog up, and give it that “stallion of a dog” demeanor in the ring. For a breed like a Doberman, that stallion-like demeanor would be an obvious advantage in the show ring. One downside of this is that the dog becomes sterile… or has problems with fertility. Steroids would give a dog a rather smooth muscled appearance, which would not translate to offspring.

[Lou's mom]

I bet you don't see too many Dobes on caffeine.....maybe some on downers.

My 5yo doberboy Will is on otc Taurine & Omega3 oils (along w/2 Rx heart meds) for his murmur. I asked a former bodybuilder/gym owner about Taurine -- turns out the musclefolks use it to boost metabolism. No wonder Will is always pestering me for walkies...:eek: [ may he continue to do so for many many many more months :fingerscrossed:]


Back on-topic: if it's not legal in other competitive sports (dressage, horseracing, baseball, whatever, even duck racing), it shouldn't be allowed/condoned in the dog world.

It's almost like these folks are the old-timey horsetraders that'd shoeshine a white horse & call it a pinto. :rolleyes: