The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) today released guidelines for veterinarians who treat racehorses. The document, "Clinical Guidelines for Veterinarians Practicing in a Pari-Mutuel Environment," promotes medical practices the AAEP believes place the appropriate emphasis on the health, safety, and welfare of the racehorse.

The central focus of the guidelines is the practice of administering medical treatment to a horse based on the entry date for its next race. All medical treatment of the racehorse should be based upon a veterinary diagnosis with appropriate time allowed for an evaluation following treatment to ensure the horse is recovered before it races again. Entry date should not be the primary factor when evaluating a horse's need for medical care.

"Our purpose is to reinforce sound medical principles within the unique environment of racing," said Nat White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, AAEP president. "As horse racing continues its pursuit of increased safety, we understand the need for us, as veterinarians, to examine our role in medication usage and medical treatment. These guidelines affirm the already excellent medical care provided by many veterinarians."

In addition to medication, the guidelines address the use of therapies such as shockwave therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Also included are recommendations for maintaining medical records and changing the current racetrack veterinary business model to one which bases billing on professional services rendered, rather than the dispensing or administration of medication. The guidelines will be updated as research provides new data about the medical care of the racehorse