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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Sports Medicine > Drugs/Drug Testing


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Breeders' Cup Drug Tests Return Clean Results
All horses that ran in the Breeders' Cup have tested negative for illegal performance-enhancing drugs. The California Horse Racing Board said testing was completed Tuesday and all the samples came back clear from the UC Davis laboratory. All entrants underwent pre-race blood testing for TCO2, a performance-enhancing alkalizing agent known ... Read full story
 11/11/2009
Equine Welfare Consensus Reached By AQHA, Partners
Equine industry alliance partners reached a general consensus involving humane treatment and equine welfare during a meeting October 20 and 21 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. Meeting participants discussed the merits of developing a uniform therapeutic medications program and humane treatment policies ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
USEF Medication Group Proposes Further Restriction of NSAIDs
The U.S. Equestrian Federation's Drugs and Medications Committee has reviewed a motion to further restrict the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horses at USEF licensed competitions. The group put forth a rule change proposal that will be considered at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. Under the current USEF rules, ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
Study: Topical Allergy Cream Can Produce Systemic Effects in Horses
Glucocorticoid cream applied at normal doses onto healthy equine skin will be quickly absorbed into the body's system and can generate adverse systemic effects, said German researchers in a new study report. As a result, it can also cause a horse to test positive in performance drug tests within two days. When used to treat allergic skin reactions, ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
Polo Horse Drug Testing to Debut Next Year
Random drug tests will begin next year for horses in polo matches in the United States after the deaths of 21 elite horses in Florida that were injected with an incorrectly mixed supplement shortly before a championship match, the United States Polo Association said Wednesday. The decision was made last month to begin a pilot program for testing ... Read full story
 11/4/2009
Drug Testing, Prosecution Focus of Racing Conference  *
A seminar focused on drug testing and the prosecution of a medication case will be the focus of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program’s second annual Officiating Horse Racing Conference on Dec. 7, 2009, at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Symposium on Racing and Gaming at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Ariz. The ... Read full story
 9/20/2009
Mule Races Canceled after Multiple Medication Violations   *
Fairplex canceled the first two races of its Sept. 17 card when it was discovered that more than three-quarters of the entries for both mule races had been given medication within 24 hours of the races. The California Horse Racing Board, the Fairplex stewards, and track management canceled the first two races program when they received documentation ... Read full story
 9/18/2009
LSU Equine Drug Testing Lab Receives Racehorse Contract Extension   *
The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Medication Surveillance Laboratory (EMSL) has received a three-year extension of its contract with the Louisiana State Racing Commission to provide drug testing of racehorses in the State. Established in 1987, the EMSL performs all equine drug testing for the Louisiana State Racing ... Read full story
 9/17/2009
Racehorse Medication Issues Top Jockey Club Round Table   *
Although there are differences of opinion on what should be done next in the area of medication reform, everyone seems to agree there is a continuing problem and something should be done. The perceptions and realities of drugs used in the training of Thoroughbreds was the overriding theme at the annual Jockey Club Round Table, held Aug. 23 at the ... Read full story
 8/24/2009
Extended Suspension Means No Olympics for German Equestrian Ahlmann  *
For Christian Ahlmann, the four-month forbidden substance suspension that morphed into an eight-month suspension has its own "long tail"--in Ahlmann's case, a ban against competing in the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ahlmann was suspended prior to the individual jumping final at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong after his horse, Cöster, tested positive ... Read full story
 8/20/2009
FEI Completes Investigation into German Equestrian Federation   *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) isn't yet revealing its findings, but on August 14 it announced the completion of its investigation into doping allegations involving riders and officials of the German Equestrian Federation (German FN). The German FN disbanded its jumping, eventing, and dressage teams May 28 following a wave of suspensions ... Read full story
 8/19/2009
Racehorse Drug Penalties Stiffened at Breeders' Cup  *
Breeders' Cup has added to its medication and testing policy and increased penalties for violators for 2009. Trainers whose horses test positive for anabolic steroids, which were banned last year, or Class 1 or Class 2 drugs will be banned from participating in the 2010 Breeders' Cup World Championships. Three violations will result in a lifetime ... Read full story
 8/11/2009
NY May Demand Horses' Complete Vet Records  *
State racing regulators in New York, seeking additional and timely information about medications given to racehorses, are eyeing a major crackdown on recordkeeping practices of Thoroughbred owners and trainers. In what one official said could result in a considerable change for some in the industry, strict sanctions could be levied against trainers ... Read full story
 8/8/2009
Dr. Thomas Tobin Receives National Industry Service Award   *
University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center's Thomas Tobin, MRCVS, PhD, Dipl. ABT, was named co-recipient of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) 2008 Industry Service Award at its annual meeting July 3 in Shepherdstown, W. Va. Tobin and Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida HBPA, were co-honored for ... Read full story
 7/14/2009
Racehorse Drug Test National Lab Standards Set   *
New national laboratory standards for racehorse drug and medication testing, the implementation of a laboratory accreditation program, and a new independent Equine Quality Assurance Program have been established by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium board of directors. In addition, at the June 18 meeting in Baltimore the board approved ... Read full story
 7/6/2009
Trainer Suspended, Fined for Clenbuterol  *
Trainer Peter Eurton will serve five days of a 30-day suspension handed down by Hollywood Park stewards and pay a $3,000 fine after one of the horses in his care was found to have tested positive for clenbuterol following a race on May 2. Under terms of a stipulated agreement released by the California Horse Racing Board on July 3, the agency agreed ... Read full story
 7/5/2009
Racehorse Medication Policies to be Focus of Jockey Club Speech   *
The need for international harmonization of racehorse medication rules will be the topic of the keynote address at The Jockey Club's 57th annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing. Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) will present the topic at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga ... Read full story
 6/30/2009
Medication Threshold Review, AAEP 2008   *
At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Keith Soring, DVM, presented material (on behalf of Tom Tobin, PhD, of the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center) regarding withdrawal times and therapeutic thresholds of medications in horses. A threshold is a defined concentration ... Read full story
 6/23/2009
Widespread Drug Contamination Found at Racetracks  *
Since racetrack environments contain residues of multiple drugs that can be detected by standard testing procedures, environmental drug contamination as an explanation for positive drug tests in racehorses needs to be considered like it currently is in human athletes, said researcher Steven A. Barker, BS, MS, PhD, Everett D. Besch Distinguished Professor ... Read full story
 6/22/2009
Horse Doping Case in FEI President's Family  *
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is investigating a second member of its president's family for alleged horse doping. The governing body said Friday that Princess Haya of Jordan will step aside from her presidential duties when it considers the case against Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the son of her husband, Sheikh Mohammed ... Read full story
 6/20/2009
German Equestrian Teams Go Kaput in Wake of Drug and Med Scandals  *
Want to become a member of the German jumping, eventing, or dressage team? Even if you have a medal on your mantelpiece, you'll have to reapply for consideration by the German Olympic Sports Federation. That's because, as of May 28, there are no German teams for the three Olympic equestrian disciplines. The German Equestrian Federation (aka the German ... Read full story
 6/10/2009
It's a Bird Positive After Oaklawn Handicap  *
It's a Bird, winner of the Lone Star Handicap (gr. III) on Memorial Day, could lose the purse from his April 4 victory in the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) as the result of a positive test for the prohibited substance naproxen, an anti-inflammatory medication. State steward Gary Wilfert said a hearing has not been scheduled, and a ruling has not been ... Read full story
 5/28/2009
Pennsylvania Racing to Regulate Corticosteroids   *
The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has adopted a policy whereby administration of corticosteroids in horses must be stopped seven days prior race day. The regulation takes effect June 1, according to a policy directive signed May 4. The PHRC unanimously voted for the regulation April 15. Corticosteroids--those commonly used in horses include ... Read full story
 5/7/2009
AAEP 2008: Anabolic Steroid Testing in a Racing Environment   *
Current public consensus on the subject of steroid use in horses is different from that of 20-30 years ago. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Keith Soring, DVM, discussed testing for anabolic steroids. Now regulators, chemists, veterinarians, breeders, and owners recognize that ... Read full story
 5/3/2009
Equine Joint Health Management Program Launched  *
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI) has announced the formation of the equine Joint Health Management (JHM) program, an education program for veterinarians and horse owners designed to prevent and treat equine joint problems. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of joint dysfunction in horses. Acute injury and overuse can lead to chronic joint ... Read full story
 5/2/2009
Polo Association to Develop Prohibited Substance Policy  *
During its semi-annual Board of Governors meeting April 25, the United States Polo Association (USPA) voted to establish a committee to examine existing and additional safeguards for polo horses, including developing a prohibited substance policy. The USPA's Board of Governors approved the following motion: "In light of the tragedy that occurred ... Read full story
 4/30/2009
Steroid Test Identifies Hermaphroditic Filly  *
Year-and-a-half-old testing for anabolic steroids in racehorses produced some unusual results--including the discovery of a Standardbred filly that's actually a male. In Pennsylvania, tests showed a high elevation of testosterone in Arizona Helen, who was raced at the harness track Harrah's Chester Racetrack and Casino, officials said April 23 during ... Read full story
 4/24/2009
Sheik Voids Race Results After Endurance Horse Tests Positive  *
The ruler of Dubai is being investigated by equestrian authorities after a horse he owns and rides failed drug tests after two races. Sheik Mohammed said he was unaware of the drugs but accepts full responsibility. The drug use came to light following testing by his staff after endurance races this year in Bahrain and Dubai. The Federation Equestre ... Read full story
 4/8/2009
AAEP 2008: Performance Horse Forum   *
In a year that saw increased public scrutiny of equine welfare and medication issues both on the track and in the competition field, veterinarians at the 2008 Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in San Diego, Calif., gathered in a forum to discuss these and other performance horse issues. Forum leaders Stephen ... Read full story
 4/8/2009
Vet's Suspension Upheld in Cobra Venom Case   *
A hearing officer has ruled that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission acted properly when it handed a five-year suspension to veterinarian Dr. Rodney Stewart after cobra venom and other prohibited substances were found in a barn and in his truck at Keeneland in June 2007. Hearing officer Robert Layton, who conducted a two-day hearing in December ... Read full story
 4/8/2009
Court of Arbitration Upholds Olympic Substance Decision   *
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld an appeal requesting enhanced sanctions against Olympic equestrian Christian Ahlmann. The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal suspended and fined Ahlmann after his horse, Cöster, tested positive for capsaicin during the 2008 Olympics. Capsaicin is the ingredient that gives chili peppers ... Read full story
 4/2/2009
Michigan Bans Racehorse Steroids   *
Michigan Horse Racing Commissioner Christine C. White April 1 gave notice to the state's horse racing industry that effective immediately, the presence of anabolic steroids will be prohibited in all horses entered to race at any pari-mutuel track in Michigan. "Integrity remains our priority," said White. "By incorporating a testing program for anabolic ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
USEF Drug and Medication Group Clarifies Liniment Status   *
Recently, there have been some questions directed to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Program related to the use of liniments. The specific liniments in question are: Equi-Block Liniments by Miracle Corp. Ingredients: Menthol (3%), Purified Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Chamomile Extract, Polysorbate 80, Olibanum ... Read full story
 3/3/2009
AAEP 2008: Medication Thresholds   *
At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Keith Soring, DVM, presented material (on behalf of Tom Tobin, PhD, of the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center) regarding withdrawal times and therapeutic thresholds of medications in horses. A threshold is a defined concentration ... Read full story
 2/23/2009
AAEP 2008: Medication in Racing and Performance Horses  *
Medication issues in equine competitions might have reached their highest level of public focus in 2008 due to high-profile situations such as Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown's steroid regimen and the disqualification of several Olympic horses for prohibited medications. Despite a significant investment of time and money by various advisory and regulatory ... Read full story
 2/15/2009
Protocol for Racehorse Steroids Testing Progresses   *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board of directors Feb. 6 received an update on an anabolic steroids study, results of which will be used to set thresholds for testing in plasma. The RMTC board, which met in Las Vegas, Nev., also discussed upcoming studies on therapeutic medication, development of best practices for drug-testing ... Read full story
 2/12/2009
Updates from the Olympic Drug Cases  *
A Norwegian jumper's positive doping test for capsaicin proved hotter than rider Tony Andre Hansen could handle: It caused him and mount Camiro to be disqualified from the 2008 Olympic Games, thereby stripping Norway of its team bronze medal--that nation's first-ever Olympic jumping team medal. A Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal ... Read full story
 2/3/2009
Walking Horse Show Group Asks USEF for Drug Test Help  *
Mandatory random drug testing could take place at some 2009 Tennessee Walking Horse shows if the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) can strike a deal with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to provide testing services. NHSC representatives met with USEF officials this earlier week to discuss hiring USEF personnel to test horses for ... Read full story
 1/7/2009
FEI Clean Sport Commission Moves Ahead  *
FEI Anti-Doping and Medication Commission Chair Arne Ljungqvist, MD, PhD, FEI First Vice President Sven Holmberg, and FEI Secretary General Alexander McLin met Dec. 16 to plot the way forward for the FEI Clean Sport Commission, which was recently established by the FEI General Assembly. The subject matter to be addressed by the commission's members ... Read full story
 12/24/2008
Norwegian Show Jumping Team to Lose Medals   *
The panel of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has rendered its final decision in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Camiro ridden by Tony Andre Hansen of Norway at the 2008 Olympic Games. Hansen has been suspended for a period of four and a half months (135 days), which is considered to have begun on the date of ... Read full story
 12/22/2008
Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration to Step Up Drug Tests  *
The 2009 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will see more drug tests pulled on competing horses, according to an article in The Tennessean, posted Dec. 21. There isn't an official potocol for drug testing at the annual horse show, which determines the world's champion Tennessee Walking Horse every September in Shelbyville, Tenn. Other ... Read full story
 12/21/2008
Court Upholds FEI Drug Test Verdict   *
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Dec. 12 upheld an earlier ruling by the Tribunal of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in the case of Irish rider Jessica Kürten. Kürten's horse, Castle Forbes Maike, tested positive for etoricoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, at a competition in May 2007. The Tribunal ruled May 7, 2008, ... Read full story
 12/15/2008
Physiologic Java Jolt Supports Illegal Status of Caffeine  *
Not only does caffeine offer a "pick-me-up" to a large chunk of North America's population, but it has once again been confirmed as a performance-enhancing drug in horses. In the study, "Effects of intravenous administration of caffeine on physiologic variables in exercising horses," Brazilian researchers reported that the intravenous administration ... Read full story
 12/14/2008
Veterinarian in Cobra Venom Case Could Resume Practicing Soon  *
Rodney Stewart, the veterinarian who has been suspended for five years after cobra venom and other medications belonging to him were discovered in a trainer's barn at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., June 22, 2007, could resume practicing soon as a result of action taken Dec. 9. During the Dec. 9 continuation of a Dec. 3 hearing into Stewart's ... Read full story
 12/9/2008
Veterinarian States His Case Against Cobra Venom Charges  *
Suspended equine veterinarian Rodney Stewart testified Dec. 3 that he was unaware that a soft-sided cooler he left in a refrigerator in a barn at Keeneland contained the prohibited substance cobra toxin. Also, during a daylong hearing of Stewart's appeal of his five-year suspension by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the vet said he did not ... Read full story
 12/4/2008
Louisiana to Adopt Racehorse Steroids Rule  *
Using emergency regulations, the Louisiana Racing Commission has banned the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses effective Jan. 1, 2009. Racing commission executive director Charlie Gardiner said the regulations were adopted Dec. 2 via emergency procedure to have them on the books in time for the first of the year. "The end of January was the earliest ... Read full story
 12/4/2008
Veterinarian to Appeal Suspension in Cobra Venom Case   *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has scheduled a Dec. 3 hearing to consider the appeal of Dr. Rodney Stewart, who was suspended five years in September 2007 for multiple violations of the state's medication regulations. Stewart's appeal will be heard by hearing officer Bob Layton, and attorney Bob Watt will represent the commission. At the hearing, ... Read full story
 12/3/2008
FEI Classifies Capsaicin as Doping, Not Medication  *
If the drug capsaicin is found in any future samples from equine atheletes in International Equestrian Federation (FEI)-sanctioned events, the results will be treated as doping, not medication, according to veterinary committee chairman John McEwen in an article today (Nov. 29, 2008) at HorseAndHound. McEwen told Horse and Hound: "Capsaicin can be ... Read full story
 11/29/2008
FEI Veterinary Committee Reports on Activities   *
The Veterinary Committee of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) presented a report on its activities at the organization's general assembly, held Nov. 17-21, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Highlights of the report: The Olympic Games 2008 Hong Kong were recognized as a great success. This event has left a legacy in the body of work regarding ... Read full story
 11/24/2008
FEI Forms Commission on Medication and Doping  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of international equestrian sport, today announced the creation of a commission on medication and doping chaired by Arne Ljungqvist, MD, PhD, chairman of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission (IOC) and vice president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Commission ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Second Hearing Held in Norwegian Rider's Olympic Case  *
A second hearing in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Camiro, ridden at the 2008 Olympic Games by Tony Andre Hansen of Norway, took place Nov. 8. The panel of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal heard testimonies from expert witnesses and received additional submissions from the legal teams of both parties. It will ... Read full story
 11/14/2008
Sales Integrity Program Report: 163 Steroid Tests Requested  *
From the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association The Sales Integrity Program managed by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) released data compiling the number of exogenous anabolic steroid tests and ownership registry submissions for the Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, and Ocala Breeders' Sales (OBS) Co. summer and fall yearling ... Read full story
 11/8/2008
No Breeders' Cup Positives for Steroids, EPO, TCO2  *
None of the horses that participated in this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita tested positive for steroids, blood-doping agents or TCO2 (bicarbonate), according to Pam Blatz-Murff, senior vice president of operations for the Breeders' Cup. However, as of Nov. 8 test results for any other prohibited substances were ... Read full story
 11/8/2008
Two Harness Vets Suspended, Fined  *
Veterinarians Rick Rothfuss and Rick Mather of Columbus, Ohio, each have been fined $10,000 and have drawn six-month suspensions as a result of an initial investigation at The Red Mile trotting track in Lexington, Ky. Richard Williams, presiding judge for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), imposed the penalties in a ruling announced today. ... Read full story
 10/24/2008
Irish Equestrian Disqualified from Olympics for Medication Positive   *
The panel of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has rendered its final decision in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Lantinus 3 ridden by Denis Lynch of Ireland at the 2008 Olympic Games. Lynch was suspended for a period of three months (90 days), which is considered to have begun Aug. 21, and will therefore run ... Read full story
 10/17/2008
New York Bans Racehorse Steroids   *
New York is joining other states in cracking down on steroid use in horse racing, state regulators announced Oct. 14. "For the sake of the betting public, we want to do everything in our power to ensure that racing runs on a level playing field," said John Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, in a statement. "By imposing ... Read full story
 10/15/2008
Tribunal Reaches Decision in Alves Olympic Medication Case  *
The panel of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has rendered its final decision in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Chupa Chup ridden by Bernardo Alves of Brazil at the 2008 Olympic Games. Alves has been suspended for three and a half months (105 days). The suspension is considered to have begun Aug. 21, when his ... Read full story
 10/10/2008
Case Decision: Pessoa Disqualified from 2008 Olympics   *
The panel of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has rendered its final decision in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Rufus ridden by Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil at the 2008 Olympic Games. Pessoa and Rufus placed fifth individually in the show jumping event. Pessoa has been suspended for a period of four and half ... Read full story
 10/3/2008
Update on Status of Olympic Substance Test Hearings   *
The hearings for the six riders suspended for positive substance tests at the 2008 Olympic Games have begun, but the Tribunal of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has not yet reached a decision in five of the cases. According to an FEI statement, the current status of these cases is as follows: CHUPA CHUP ridden by Bernardo Alves (Brazil): ... Read full story
 10/1/2008
Rider, U.S. Olympic Dressage Team Disqualified  *
Today the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tribunal has issued its decision in the positive medication case involving the horse Mythilus ridden by Courtney King-Dye, and representing the U.S. Dressage Team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. The horse was sampled at the Olympic Games on Aug. 19, 2008, and tested positive for felbinac. ... Read full story
 9/22/2008
Jones Appeals Clenbuterol Suspension   *
Thoroughbred trainer Larry Jones has appealed a seven-day suspension and $500 fine levied by the stewards at Delaware Park in connection with the highly-publicized case in which the horse Stones River tested positive for the prohibited substance clenbuterol. John Wayne, executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, said Jones ... Read full story
 9/20/2008
Maryland Bans Racehorse Steroids  *
The Maryland Racing Commission has approved a ban on anabolic steroids for racehorses, following the lead of other racing states including Kentucky, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The issue of steroids in horse racing saw increased public scrutiny this spring after Rick Dutrow Jr., the trainer of Big Brown, acknowledged using the anabolic steroid ... Read full story
 9/17/2008
Equine Drug Testing Center Sought For NMSU  *
Funding is being sought by horse racing officials to start an equine drug testing laboratory at New Mexico State University. They've been lobbying state legislators, but NMSU officials say they're concerned about the cost of operating such a lab. The university has had a contract with the state Racing Commissions to conduct the drug testing, but ... Read full story
 9/13/2008
Keeneland Yearling Buyers Utilize Steroid Tests  *
During the first two sessions of the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale the Central Kentucky auction company reported 20 requests for testing for exogenous anabolic steroids. There were six requests during the opening session Sept. 8 and 14 during the second session Sept. 9, according to Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell. The number ... Read full story
 9/11/2008
FEI Holds First Hearings on Olympic Substance Test Results   *
Hearings before the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, this weekend in the Olympic cases of Bernardo Alves of Brazil and the horse Chupa Chup; Denis Lynch of Ireland and the horse Lantinus; and Courtney King-Dye of the United States and the horse Mythilus. The riders were in attendance accompanied by their ... Read full story
 9/8/2008
Kentucky Governor Bans Steroids in Racehorses  *
Testing for anabolic steroids in racehorses in Kentucky will begin with the start of the Keeneland fall meet under emergency regulations signed by Gov. Steve Beshear Sept. 5. The regulations, approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in August, are now in effect under the Beshear order. The regulations pertain to the commonly used steroids ... Read full story
 9/6/2008
Pessoa Horse Substance Positive Confirmed on 'B' Sample  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has received confirmation that the second ("B") sample collected from the horse Rufus, ridden by Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil at the 2008 Olympic Games, has yielded a positive test result for the banned substance nonivamide. This confirms the initial positive findings from the "A" sample. Nonivamide is part ... Read full story
 9/5/2008
Pessoa Horse Positive on Olympic Medication Tests  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has received notification of an additional doping/medication case at the 2008 Olympic Games. A test carried out on Rufus, mount of Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, following the individual show jumping final revealed an A sample that tested positive for the banned substance nonivamide, part of the capsaicinoid ... Read full story
 9/2/2008
U.S. Rider, Vet Unsure of Source of Olympic Drug Positive  *
Following a routine drug test on August 19 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, Mythilus, a U.S. dressage horse, ridden by Courtney King-Dye, was found to have tested positive for Felbinac. Felbinac is considered a class A prohibited substance by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Felbinac is usually applied topically for the relief of ... Read full story
 8/28/2008
Olympic Medication Update: 'B' Samples Positive, U.S. Rider also Involved  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has received confirmation that the four 'B' samples in the cases involving the presence of the banned substance capsaicin have all yielded positive test results. This confirms the initial positive findings from the 'A' samples. This involves: Bernardo Alves of Brazil, riding Chupa Chup Christian ... Read full story
 8/27/2008
Kentucky Panel Approves Ban on Racehorse Steroids  *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously Aug. 25 to ban the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses, and the rules could be in place the first week of September should Gov. Steve Beshear sign an emergency regulation as expected. The KHRC amended recommendations from the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, which voted Aug. 14 to regulate ... Read full story
 8/25/2008
Equestrian Olympic Drug Testing Clarifications Announced by FEI  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) released the following information in regard to the four horses that tested positive to prohibited medications at the 2008 Olympic Games. "Below are some clarifications on the procedure that will be followed in relation to the positive doping/medication cases at the 2008 Olympic Games unveiled by the FEI ... Read full story
 8/23/2008
Four Olympic Jumpers Suspended after Prohibited Substance Found  *
It's stormy here in Hong Kong, and not just because of impending Typhoon Nuri, which threatened to disrupt the individual jumping final, but looks as if it will hold off for most if not all of the Aug. 21 evening competition. Tony Andre Hansen and Camiro About an hour before the jumping final got under way, the Fédération Equestre Internationale ... Read full story
 8/21/2008
Drug Testing Vet to Answer Questions via Interactive Chat  *
Join Scott Stanley, DVM, PhD, a University of California, Davis associate professor of veterinary medicine, for this week's edition of BloodHorse.com "Talkin' Horses" at BloodHorse.com/TalkinHorses on Friday, August 22, at noon EDT (9:00 a.m. PDT), sponsored by TrueNicks.com. Stanley is an expert in racehorse drug testing and medications, including ... Read full story
 8/21/2008
FEI Delegation Tours Hong Kong Equine Testing Lab  *
HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, president of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), took time out of her busy Olympic schedule to visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Racing Laboratory Aug. 16. Terence Wan, PhD, EurChem, CSci, CChem, FRSC, FAORC, FFSSoc, head of the racing laboratory, showed the state-of-the-art facilities to the Princess ... Read full story
 8/20/2008
Thoroughbred Industry Round Table Focuses on Drug Testing, Safety  *
Calls to action aren't new to The Jockey Club Round Table conference, but at this year's meeting Aug. 17 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., there appeared to be a sense of urgency. Public perception and the threat of federal intervention have a way of moving things along. In what a few attendees called the best Round Table in years, Thoroughbred industry ... Read full story
 8/18/2008
Kentucky Horse Racing Group Proposes Steroid Ban   *
Kentucky racing officials have pushed forward a steroid ban for racehorses they're calling the toughest in the country. The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council approved a measure Thursday that would hit trainers with severe penalties--up to a three-year suspension--if their horses test positive for an anabolic steroid. The state's racing commission ... Read full story
 8/16/2008
Splitting Hairs: New Drug Test Uses Hair, Not Urine   *
German researcher Patricia Anielski is raising the bar when it comes to drug testing in horses. Anabolic steroids such as testosterone propionate can be detected in hair samples to identify current and even previous abuse of the substance. "Anabolic steroids such as testosterone propionate are capable of enhancing muscle growth and improving performance ... Read full story
 8/5/2008
Breeders' Cup Adopts Tough Steroids Rule  *
Trainers of horses that test positive for anabolic steroids at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park (Oct. 24-25) will face a one-year suspension from the event, and trainers who violate steroid regulations three times will face a lifetime ban from participating in Thoroughbred racing's season-ending championships, according ... Read full story
 8/3/2008
Elective Drug Testing Offered for All Olympic Horses  *
The Hong Kong Jockey Club's racing laboratory will be offering post-arrival elective testing for all horses coming to Hong Kong for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events at the request of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Unlike the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) system used for human athletes, there is traditionally ... Read full story
 7/28/2008
Racehorse Anabolic Steroid Ban Recommended in Kentucky   *
A subcommittee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has unanimously recommended that anabolic steroids be banned in horse racing in the state. "The use of anabolic androgenic steroids shall be banned in horses competing in pari-mutuel racing sporting events in the commonwealth of Kentucky," said the position statement approved July 16 by the Subcommittee ... Read full story
 7/17/2008
Understanding the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program  *
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The USEF is responsible for enforcing the rules of 27 breeds and disciplines. Formerly this organization was known as the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA). The name may have changed, but the mission ... Read full story
 7/17/2008
Dutrow Responds to Suspension Relating to Clenbuterol  *
Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. addressed the media at his own request June 27 outside his Aqueduct barn to set the record straight on his 15-day ban in Kentucky for an overage of the bronchodilator clenbuterol in Salute the Count, the runner-up of the Aegon Turf Sprint (gr.III) at Churchill Downs May 2. Dutrow was joined by Salute the Count's owner, Michael ... Read full story
 6/28/2008
Big Brown's Trainer Faces Clenbuterol Positive   *
A horse trained by Rick Dutrow tested positive for twice the allowable level of the bronchodilator clenbuterol, which helps burn fat and promote muscle growth, the New York Times reported June 25. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority will issue the ruling June 25, suspend Dutrow for 15 days, and demand the horse's owner to return the $20,000 in purse ... Read full story
 6/25/2008
Big Brown's Owners Adopt No-Drug Policy   *
International Equine Acquisitions Holdings (IEAH) Stables--the partnership that races Big Brown--has taken the first bold step in securing a no-drug policy in racing by announcing Monday that all its horses starting Oct. 1 will race without any medication, with the exception of Lasix, which trainer Rick Dutrow asked that they exclude because several ... Read full story
 6/23/2008
Racing Groups Have Say Before Washington Hearing  *
As the House Subcommittee on Commerce and Consumer Protection prepared for a June 19 hearing on the horseracing industry, groups continued to weigh in on various issues, including use of anabolic steroids in racehorses. On June 18, the Lexington-based Association of Equine Racetrack Veterinarians said it supports recommendations by The Jockey Club ... Read full story
 6/19/2008
Bramlage, Chairman Explain Racehorse Safety Recommendations  *
Following the recommendations The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety Committee made regarding the elimination of steroids, ban of toe grabs, and changes in whip usage, chairman Stuart Janney, along with American Association of Equine Practitioners veterinarian Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, addressed numerous inquiries from the media during a June ... Read full story
 6/18/2008
Big Brown Continues Triple Crown Quest   *
Big Brown hit the Belmont Park track early June 5 with a morning jog around the sloppy and sealed main track about 5:45 EDT. With Michelle Nevin aboard, the colt traveled through the paddock, out of the tunnel, and onto the main track. Nevin said afterward, "He was feeling pretty good, after just walking (June 4). It's a good thing. The fact he had ... Read full story
 6/5/2008
Big Brown's Hoof Patch on Hold Until Friday  *
Big Brown's cracked left front hoof is improving with each passing day, so trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. is waiting until Friday to have a patch applied. Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay suggested putting the patch on Saturday, the morning of the Belmont Stakes, but Dutrow doesn't want to mess with it on what could be a history-making day. "This is just ... Read full story
 6/3/2008
California Horsemen Told to Stop Steroid Use  *
If your horse is being treated with anabolic steroids and you plan to race in California, the time to stop administering them is now. That's the word from Richard Shapiro, chairman of the California Horse Racing Board, and Rick Arthur, DVM, the agency's equine medical director. Rule changes that will reclassify the four most common types of anabolic ... Read full story
 5/25/2008
More Questions Than Answers on Racehorse Steroids  *
The complicated nature of regulating anabolic steroids in racehorses came to light May 20 when discussion among members of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council and others seemed to indicate the easiest route is an all-out ban on the substances. Or is it? "This is a complicated subject," said David Nash, DVM, executive director of the Equine ... Read full story
 5/21/2008
Readers Respond: Take the Pain Away  *
Nearly 1,200 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What concerns do you have about short- and long-term pain management in horses?" Results were as follows (multiple selections were allowed): Side effects, such as ulcers: 84.17% (989) Effectiveness (or lack thereof): 63.66% (748) Positive drug tests: 8.60% (101) ... Read full story
 5/7/2008
The Steroid Debate  *
"Steroid" use has made headlines because of abuse in human athletes for the past decade, from Major League Baseball to track and field events. The topic has also become hot in the horse industry, from steroid use for bulking up young horses in sales, to attempting to enhance performance of show horses and racehorses. However, not all steroids are the ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
New Drug Protocol Planned for Hong Kong Olympic Horses  *
The international equestrian federation (Fédération Equestre Internationale, FEI) is stepping up the fight against medication use in equine athletes to avoid a repeat of the situation following the 2004 Athens Olympics. "Athens was really a bad moment for the sport," FEI spokeswoman Malina Gueorguiev told The Associated Press on Friday. "It was a ... Read full story
 4/11/2008
Steroid Regulation Efforts Turning a Corner   *
Anyone who caught the opening comments of the March 26 medication roundtable in Austin, Texas, but left early and returned at its conclusion would have thought the worst--an industry meeting on the divisive topic of use of drugs in racehorses had finally come to physical blows. The meeting at the historic Driskill Hotel began with Ed Martin, president ... Read full story
 3/27/2008
Virginia: Free Pre-Race Steroids Tests  *
The Virginia Racing Commission will offer free pre-race testing for anabolic and androgenic steroids in horses that race at Colonial Downs this year. The commission, at its March 19 meeting, unanimously adopted regulations and penalties for steroids in racehorses. The regulations will be in place by the end of April and prior to the June 6 opening ... Read full story
 3/22/2008
Racing Medication Group Moving Ahead with Steroid Work  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) will hold its spring board of directors meeting March 25 in conjunction with the Association of Racing Commissioners International annual convention in Austin, Texas. The RMTC will receive an update on regulation of anabolic steroids from its Scientific Advisory Committee, and also participate in ... Read full story
 3/20/2008
Soiled Bedding Serves as a Vehicle for Drug Contamination   *
Cleanliness in the stall can equal cleanliness on the drug tests, especially when it comes to sport horses receiving therapeutic medications, according to results from a new project under development by French researchers. Presented at the 34th Annual Equine Research Day in Paris Feb. 28, the study complements previous research showing that treated ... Read full story
 3/8/2008
Congressman Criticizes Racehorse Drug Policy   *
U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky opened a Feb. 27 congressional hearing on the use of steroids in sports by claiming leaders of horse racing have repeatedly failed on promises to self-regulate medication issues. Whitfield, a Republican from Hopkinsville, spoke during a televised hearing entitled, "Drugs in Sports: Compromising the Health of Athletes ... Read full story
 2/27/2008
Timing of Steroid Study Could Impact Regulations  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has funded a research project to study threshold levels and withdrawal times of four approved anabolic steroids. But the timing of the study, which should be completed by August, could make it difficult for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to implement steroid regulations in the state by Jan. 1, ... Read full story
 2/26/2008
Steroids Investigation to Include Horse Racing  *
The president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association will testify before Congress this month as part of its investigation into steroids in sports. Alexander Waldrop has been asked to appear Feb. 27 before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's panel on commerce, trade and consumer protection. Also appearing will be representatives from ... Read full story
 2/15/2008
AQHA Sets Guidelines for Equioxx Use  *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Executive Committee approved the use of Equioxx (firocoxib) effective Jan. 1, 2008, giving competitors across the country another option for relieving equine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Equioxx was released June 11, 2007. Manufactured by Merial, the drug is the first new equine NSAID option ... Read full story
 2/6/2008
Indiana Sticking with Racehorse Steroid Regulation Plan   *
Indiana is moving forward with plans to implement regulation and testing of anabolic steroids in racehorses April 1. There has been much talk regarding the uniform implementation of anabolic steroid regulations around the country. While the debate has been heated at times, several jurisdictions, including Indiana, plan to proceed with testing in ... Read full story
 2/5/2008
Racing Group Endorses Deadline for Steroid Rule Adoption  *
Members of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium haven't backed away from a call for regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses, but on Jan. 31 they endorsed a Dec. 31, 2008, deadline for nationwide adoption of a model rule. The move comes after several days of upset in the wake of comments by a chemist and horsemen's groups that the model ... Read full story
 2/1/2008
First Keeneland Sale Since New Steroids Rule; One Test Requested  *
Although Keeneland's January Thoroughbred horses of all ages sale was the first to be conducted under new policies allowing buyers the right to request testing for exogenous anabolic steroids in weanling and yearling purchases, there was only one such request made during the seven-day auction at which almost 1,500 horses were sold. Geoffrey Russell, ... Read full story
 1/14/2008
Racing Officials, Legislators Discuss Racehorse Steroids  *
An impending Congressional hearing on steroid use in Major League Baseball--and the possibility the inquiry could expand to other sports--has led the Thoroughbred racing industry to take preemptive action on Capitol Hill. Representatives of the horse racing industry met Jan. 8 with legislative staff members in Washington, D.C., to update them on ... Read full story
 1/9/2008
National Horsemen's Group Setting Racehorse Steroid Policy  *
The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is formulating a position on regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses. The National HBPA has affiliates in about 30 jurisdictions, some of which already have adopted rules to regulate use of steroids at race meets in 2008. With a two- to -three-month suggested withdrawal period prior ... Read full story
 12/28/2007
Kentucky Moves to Regulate Racehorse Steroids  *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) supports the regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses in the state, and took the first step toward drafting and adopting the revised model rule offered by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium during a Dec. 17 meeting. The first step toward ... Read full story
 12/18/2007
Delaware Park Banning Racehorse Steroid Use   *
Efforts by regulators in the Mid-Atlantic region to ban the use of steroids in racehorses continued Dec. 14 with an announcement by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission that the substances would be outlawed when Delaware Park opens for live racing in 2008. Commission executive director John Wayne told the Delaware Department of Agriculture, ... Read full story
 12/14/2007
FEI Initiating Thermographic Exams to Prevent Show Jumper Abuse Technique  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) recently approved new measures to ensure the legs of high-level jumping horses are not being intentionally sensitized to pain in order to provide a competitive advantage. Beginning in 2008, official veterinarians will be employing heat-sensing equipment and examining legs for evidence of this abuse. The ... Read full story
 11/30/2007
Mid-Atlantic Racehorse Steroids Ban Official  *
As expected, states in the Mid-Atlantic region have announced they are working to implement a ban on anabolic steroids in racehorses effective April 1, 2008. The regulations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia will employ the model rule devised by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and endorsed by ... Read full story
 11/30/2007
Two Thoroughbred Sales Companies Banning Steroids as of January  *
Keeneland Association and Fasig-Tipton Co. officials jointly announced Nov. 15 that the policy regarding exogenous anabolic steroids will be implemented for weanlings and yearlings beginning with their 2008 sales. Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton-the world's largest and North America's oldest Thoroughbred auction houses, respectively-have taken the position ... Read full story
 11/15/2007
Racing Medication Group Refocusing on Drug Testing, Uniformity  *
After nearly five years in existence, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium is refocusing on some of its core goals such as uniform rules, drug research, and standardizing drug-testing procedures in the United States. Included as part of the RMTC board meeting in Lexington Oct.16-17 was a strategic planning session that focused "on adoption ... Read full story
 10/23/2007
Trainer in Cobra Venom Case Agrees to Yearlong Suspension   *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority reached a settlement agreement with trainer Patrick Biancone Oct. 17 that will bar him from training horses for six months and prevent him from applying for a trainer's license for an additional six months. After more than two hours of closed-door discussion, the KHRA voted 9-2 to approve the settlement agreement ... Read full story
 10/18/2007
Study of EIPH Drug Seeks to Answer Effectiveness, Enhancement Concerns   *
A study led by Colorado State University and research partners will help to answer a long-debated question about health and performance effects of a drug commonly used to treat racehorses in the U.S. to prevent bleeding into their airways as they run (also known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or EIPH). The study, which is a massive research ... Read full story
 10/17/2007
Horse Sales Task Force Recommendations Draw Praise, Criticism  *
Preliminary recommendations aimed at self-regulation for the equine auction industry were unveiled by the Sales Integrity Task Force during a public forum held at the Keeneland sale pavilion Oct. 15, but the driving force behind Kentucky legislation seeking reform in the public selling arena quickly voiced displeasure with the suggestions. The recommendations, ... Read full story
 10/16/2007
Trainer Suspended in Cobra Venom Case Granted Stay  *
Trainer Patrick Biancone, suspended for one year for possessing on the grounds of Keeneland three sealed vials of alpha-cobratoxin (cobra venom), a Class A substance under the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Uniform Drug and Medication Classification Schedule, was granted a stay Oct. 10. Biancone appealed the suspension Oct. 9. One of his attorneys, ... Read full story
 10/11/2007
Trainer Given Yearlong Suspension in Cobra Venom Case  *
Kentucky racing stewards have suspended trainer Patrick Biancone for one year for numerous violations of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's medication regulations following a hearing Oct. 4. The suspension begins Oct. 15. KHRA executive director Lisa Underwood said Biancone might appeal the ruling, which would be heard before the full KHRA membership. ... Read full story
 10/5/2007
Indiana to Regulate Steroids; Questions Raised  *
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously Sept. 27 to adopt regulations on use of anabolic steroids in racehorses developed by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and endorsed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The rules are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2008. The IHRC will establish concentration limits ... Read full story
 10/1/2007
Cobra Venom Case: Trainer's Hearing Scheduled   *
Following the announcement of the five-year suspension of veterinarian Dr. Rod Stewart for alleged violations of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's medication regulations, the organization has scheduled a stewards' hearing in the ongoing investigation of trainer Patrick Biancone, who was found to be in possession of cobra venom and two other prohibited ... Read full story
 9/20/2007
Vet Given Five-Year Suspension in Cobra Venom Investigation   *
Kentucky racing stewards have suspended veterinarian Dr. Rodney Stewart for five years for numerous violations of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's medication regulations. The suspension was ordered following an investigation into items seized during a June 22 search of three of Thoroughbred trainer Patrick Biancone's barns at Keeneland. Stewart's ... Read full story
 9/19/2007
Veterinarian Appealing Suspension in Snake Venom Case   *
Dr. Rod Stewart has appealed a suspension order issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority in connection with the ongoing investigation of trainer Patrick Biancone. Lisa Underwood, executive director of the KHRA, said following an Aug. 27 authority meeting that Stewart had appealed the suspension order, and the case will now go to a hearing officer. ... Read full story
 8/28/2007
Vet Suspended from Tracks for Noncompliance in Venom Investigation   *
Dr. Rod Stewart, a veterinarian for racehorse trainer Patrick Biancone, was suspended by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority for failing to comply with an order to turn over his computer and records to state stewards. Stewards requested the computer and records in connection with the ongoing investigation relating to cobra venom, a substance used ... Read full story
 8/23/2007
Reporting Adverse Drug Effects  *
We've all heard the scary stories about drug reactions: "I knew something was wrong when I noticed melon-sized hives appearing on my arms." "Suddenly, the room began spinning … yet there wasn't any tequila involved." "I was borderline insane due to the intense itching." AT A GLANCE: THE ADVERSE DRUG EXPERIENCE REPORTING PROCESS Something ... Read full story
 8/23/2007
Kentucky Drug Council Supports Regulation of Steroids  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council supports the regulation of anabolic steroids in horses at racetracks and auctions in the state, but requested further explanation of withdrawal times and other testing-related issues in the model rule offered by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. ... Read full story
 8/23/2007
BenZoylEcgonine Thresholds in Horse Urine   *
In 1985, the Kentucky Racing Commission directed the Equine Pharmacology program at the University of Kentucky to work on improving testing for performance-enhancing drugs. The outcome was the introduction of Enzyme-Linked-ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) testing into racing. ELISA tests are exceptionally sensitive, detecting drug/drug metabolites at low ... Read full story
 8/15/2007
New York Racing Rule Targets   *
New York racing regulators July 31 adopted a series of new rules, including more restrictive prohibitions on betting by racetrack mutuel tellers and final action on a provision to combat "milkshaking" of horses. "The board instituted a number of rules today that were designed (to) ensure that public trust within the industry continues to grow,'' ... Read full story
 8/1/2007
Medication Consortium Gets $300,000 in Contributions  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) received $100,000 contributions from the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the United States Trotting Association, and $50,000 contributions from the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Hambletonian Society, the organization announced July 26. “We believe in the mission of the ... Read full story
 7/27/2007
FEI Drops Vegas World Cup Drug Case Due to Test Problems  *
A doping case was dropped because of procedural problems following a positive test involving a show jumping horse at the Equestrian World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Air Jordan Z tested positive for a banned drug at the event in April where his rider, Daniel Deusser of Germany, placed second. However, the sport's governing body said Thursday the case ... Read full story
 7/13/2007
Environmental Contamination Necessitates Leeway in Post-Race Cocaine Testing  *
The prevalence of a common metabolite of cocaine in the environment has created a need for the allowance of a minimum concentration of the substance in post-competition race testing, according to Fernanda Camargo, DVM, and Tom Tobin, DVM, PhD, DABT of the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky. Roberta Dwyer, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVPM ... Read full story
 7/11/2007
Sources: Snake Venom Found in Kentucky Search  *
Word is circulating in Kentucky that cobra venom, a substance used to kill pain, was found by investigators during a June 26 search of trainer Patrick Biancone's barn at Keeneland. Several sources indicated, and media reports suggested, that cobra venom was found, but the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority said it wouldn't comment on the investigation ... Read full story
 7/7/2007
New NSAID Equioxx (firocoxib) Approved by USEF   *
The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib). This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for ... Read full story
 7/2/2007
Drug Test Results Questioned in Kentucky  *
The results of post-race blood tests in five horses that raced at Keeneland or Churchill Downs have raised some red flags in Kentucky. Trainers Bobby Frankel, Bob Holthus, Mike Maker, Bob Pincins, and Mike Tomlinson were notified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority that horses in their care tested over the approved limit for the permitted medication ... Read full story
 6/28/2007
Two Plead Guilty in Harness Horse Drugging Case  *
A father and son accused of trying to fix races by injecting harness horses with substances designed to deaden pain or improve performance pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony charges in Ballston Spa, N.Y. William Barrack, 68, and his son, Keith, 43, pleaded guilty to one count each of interference with a domestic animal in Saratoga County Court, district ... Read full story
 6/28/2007
Drug Withdrawal Times Posted on Racing Medication Group Web Site   *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has completed a section of its Web site (www.rmtcnet.com) that enables licensed horsemen to look up guidelines for withdrawal times for approximately 75 therapeutic medications identified by the RMTC veterinary advisory committee. The guidelines are available for 18 states and Canada. Information from ... Read full story
 6/13/2007
Veterinary Ethics  *
Owners, trainers, and veterinarians are responsible for the health and welfare of the horse. Performance horses need to be treated like any other athletes. This often entails medical treatment by veterinarians, which allows horses to compete in a comfortable manner. Competition in such disciplines as show hunters and jumpers requires the horse to have ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
Derby Horses Tested for EPO  *
The 20 starters for the May 5 Kentucky Derby were tested for the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO) May 2. John Veitch, chief steward for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, said the tests were administrated between 10 a.m. and noon on all the horses with the exception of Nobiz Like Showbiz, who had yet to reach Churchill Downs from ... Read full story
 5/4/2007
Racing Regulators Pass Model Rule on Steroids  *
Regulators attending the Association of Racing Commissioners International annual conference April 26 approved a number of model rules, including the prohibition in horses of nearly all anabolic steroid use. The proposed anabolic steroid policy, along with other model rules featuring bans against toe grab horseshoes and the adoption of safety reins ... Read full story
 4/27/2007
FEI Drug Testing More Horses   *
In 2006 the FEI set a new mark for numbers of horses drug tested, as well as the number of events covered. In total, the FEI tested 3,173 horses. There were 1,500 tests conducted in 1996, meaning the number of tests has doubled in 10 years. The rate of positives remained the same overall: 2.5% in the Medication Control Program (MCP) and 1.3% outside ... Read full story
 4/24/2007
Regulators Consider Anabolic Steroid Limits  *
A model rule that limits anabolic steroid use to four approved substances was unanimously passed in a committee hearing of the Racing Commissioners International annual conference April 23, highlighting the opening-day morning session of the annual conference of North American regulators in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The model rule, which will now be sent ... Read full story
 4/24/2007
Drug Testing: California Thoroughbred Owners Could Face Fines  *
Owners whose horses have repeated medication violations would be subject to tough new penalties under changes given initial approval by the California Horse Racing Board April 19. Over the objections of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the board unanimously approved monetary fines for owners as an added incentive to monitor their stables and ... Read full story
 4/20/2007
Freedom Health Aminorex Findings Confirmed by Canadian Racing Agency  *
The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) confirmed Freedom Health's findings that the use of injectable levamisole in racehorses may result in a positive drug test for the banned substance aminorex--a Class 1 drug that carries a recommended penalty of a one- to five-year suspension from racing. In a release issued April 2, the agency warned horse trainers ... Read full story
 4/7/2007
Aminorex Positives Linked to Injectable Dewormer   *
For more than two years, racehorses (principally Standardbreds) have tested positive for the amphetamine, aminorex (for more information see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9114). The drug is a Class 1 substance, and positives result in a suspension from racing lasting one to five years. Progressively, rumors have circulated that certain products, ... Read full story
 3/18/2007
Ontario Reinstates Trainers With Aminorex Positives  *
Though it stands by its equine drug-testing program, the Ontario Racing Commission said March 13 it will allow trainers with positives for aminorex, a methamphetamine-like substance, to enter horses in races in the province. The investigation into the drug's origin will continue. At least 10 trainers of Standardbreds in Ontario have had positives ... Read full story
 3/14/2007
Drug Positives Have Regulators, Horsemen Scratching Heads  *
Recent positives for aminorex, a drug that has had no commercial source since the 1980s and has no place in racehorses under industry guidelines, has regulators seeking answers and horsemen on the defensive. There have been positives for the Class 1 drug, which is similar to methamphetamine, in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts in the United States, ... Read full story
 3/12/2007
Drug Contaminants, 'Zero Tolerance' Policy on Collision Course  *
A Louisiana research project that shows racehorses can come into contact with drug residue just about anywhere on the backstretch has some horsemen calling for an end to "zero tolerance" drug-testing policies and creation of a national panel to examine data before inadvertent positives are called. The study, presented by Steven Barker, PhD, during ... Read full story
 2/12/2007
Vet Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Records in Alleged Race Fixing Plot  *
A veterinarian pleaded guilty to falsifying records in a case that included the arrests of four people in an alleged plot to fix harness races by injecting horses with banned performance-enhancing drugs. John Witmer, 68, of Freehold, N.J., pleaded guilty yesterday before Superior Court Judge Bette E. Uhrmacher to fourth-degree falsifying or tampering ... Read full story
 2/2/2007
Hormone and Drug Use in the Stallion  *
Many hormone and drug treatments could have a negative impact on the endocrine system, so it's best to avoid using them altogether in the breeding stallion. However, Sue M. McDonnell, PhD, Certified AAB, of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, said that there are some stallions and situations where carefully selected and ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
California Racing Board Moves Ahead With Stricter Drug Regulations  *
Taking a get-tough stance, the California Horse Racing Board moved forward with its sweeping overhaul of the state’s equine drug policies including the first ban of so-called “designer” anabolic steroids. At its monthly meeting Jan. 23, the board voted 7-0 to open a 45-day public review of the changes, which include tougher and consistent penalties ... Read full story
 1/24/2007
Clenbuterol, Steroids Dominate Southern Cal Talks  *
The use of clenbuterol and the potential elimination of anabolic steroids were the primary subjects of two meetings Thursday at Santa Anita. California Horse Racing Board Chairman Richard Shapiro, executive director Ingrid Fermin, and equine medical director Rick Arthur, DVM, met with trainers in the morning and veterinarians in the afternoon to update ... Read full story
 1/19/2007
Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton Issue Statement on Anabolic Steroid Policy  *
Officials from Keeneland Association Inc. and Fasig-Tipton Company, Inc., today jointly announced their support for development of a policy regarding the testing for, and inappropriate use of, anabolic steroids in horses sold at public auction in Kentucky. "We both agree that the use of anabolic steroids in sale horses is an issue that needs to ... Read full story
 1/19/2007
Northern California Trainer Rogers Suspended  *
California trainer Allen E. Rogers was suspended by Bay Meadows stewards after a horse in his care tested in excess of the specified level for the 2-(1-hydroxyethyl) promazine, a Class 3 violation. Swen finished third in the third race at Bay Meadows on August 7, 2003. The stewards disqualified Swen and ordered the purse redistributed for the race. ... Read full story
 12/30/2006
Stopping Steroids  *
Progress in racing's war on drugs started with a report in August 2000 from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Task Force on Racing Integrity and Drug Testing at The Jockey Club Round Table in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The following year, the American Association of Equine Practitioners organized a "medication summit" held in conjunction with ... Read full story
 12/24/2006
Dr. Rick Arthur to be Tuesday's Guest on "Talkin' Horses"  *
Join Rick Arthur, DVM, world-renowned expert in the field of veterinary medicine and advocate for equine health and welfare issues for more than 20 years. Arthur will be the next guest during a special Tuesday edition of Bloodhorse.com's "Talkin' Horses" from 12-1 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 19; online at www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses. Arthur currently ... Read full story
 12/16/2006
CHRB Files Complaints Against Sherman, Ward  *
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has filed complaints against trainers Art Sherman and Wesley Ward for medication violations. The CHRB issues a weekly update of complaints, accusations, stewards rulings, and board decisions involving Class 1, 2, and 3 medication violations and other significant matters. In the case of Sherman, the Maddy Laboratory ... Read full story
 12/16/2006
Regulation of Steroids to be Recommended  *
Members of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) are expected to recommend regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses, but the timetable for the regulations remains up in the air. RMTC officials earlier in the year said they hoped to have a policy by the end of this year. There has been some division over the issue, in part because ... Read full story
 12/7/2006
Norman Gets Six-Month Suspension in Louisiana  *
Trainer Cole Norman was suspended for six months and fined $1,000 by the Delta Downs stewards after two horses he saddled in the Jean Lafitte Stakes Nov. 3 at Delta Downs tested in excess of the permitted levels of total carbon dioxide (TCO2). He has appealed the ruling to the Louisiana Racing Commission; the case is scheduled to come before the commission ... Read full story
 12/7/2006
Symposium Panel Addresses Question of Keeping Star Horses in Training  *
The loss of star racehorses in training and the negative effect it has on the sport was a hot topic during a panel discussion Dec. 5 at the 33rd Symposium on Racing & Gaming in Tucson, Ariz. A panel that included Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher and track executives Martin Panza of Hollywood Park and Georgeanne Hale of the Maryland ... Read full story
 12/6/2006
University of Florida Racing Laboratory Gets New Director  *
Richard A. Sams, PhD, has been named director of the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine Racing Laboratory. Sams came to UF from The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was a professor and the director of its Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, a position he held since 1978. Sams received his bachelor ... Read full story
 12/1/2006
Racing Medication and Testing Group Announces Steroid and Drug Withdrawal Plan   *
During its meeting on Thursday, November 2, in Louisville, Ky., the board of directors of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) announced future plans regarding anabolic steroids and out-of-competition drug testing, and received an update on ongoing projects related to the development of withdrawal times for therapeutic medications. The ... Read full story
 11/4/2006
Kentucky Regulators Examine Drug-Testing Procedures  *
As Churchill Downs prepares to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Kentucky regulators are examining the state's drug-testing policies and procedures. Upgrades, however, may hinge on state funding. For the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup, a full battery of tests will be run on the first four finishers in each race, as well as horses selected randomly ... Read full story
 11/3/2006
Vartanian Accused of Methamphetamine Violation  *
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has filed an accusation against Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Gregory Vartanian for several rule violations after a horse in his care tested positive for the Class 1 prohibited substance methamphetamine in the post-race urine sample. Youandiatdelmar finished second in the first race at Santa Anita Park on ... Read full story
 10/28/2006
Kentucky Equine Drug Council Forms Testing Partnership with RMTC  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has allotted $1.5 million over three years to partner with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium on a research project to determine withdrawal guidelines and threshold levels of therapeutic medications.Funding for the project begins Jan. 1, 2007, and will be reviewed annually by the drug council. Connie ... Read full story
 10/10/2006
New Recommendations Facilitate Modernization of Drug Manufacturing  *
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final guidance on quality systems, a set of formalized practices and procedures to ensure quality of human and veterinary drugs and human biological drug products during manufacturing. This guidance enhances FDA‚s current requirements for ensuring manufacturing quality known as the current Good Manufacturing ... Read full story
 10/8/2006
Corticosteroids: Short- and Long-Term Effects  *
Of the medications available in the arsenal of anti-inflammatory therapies, there is one type that has caused considerable debate. This is the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Present naturally to some degree in all animals, corticosteroids are normally produced by the adrenal glands. Their natural actions protect the body against a variety ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
The Straight Dope  *
Is post-event drug testing becoming too sensitive, netting too many innocent violators? Are drug withdrawal guidelines for therapeutic medications too unreliable to be useful? Or are policies and tests being fine-tuned in a sensible manner in order to weed out the cheaters and increase odds of a fair and level playing field? As with so many other controversial ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
CHRB Files Drug Complaint Against Mullins  *
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has filed a complaint against trainer Jeff Mullins for multiple rule violations after a horse in his care, Robs Coin, tested positive for mepivacaine in the post-race urine sample. Robs Coin finished second in the seventh race at Hollywood Park on July 8. Bloodhorse.com first reported the positive finding July ... Read full story
 9/29/2006
Adverse Effects of a Performance Enhancer  *
Researchers found that a performance-enhancing drug caused unpredictable, severe, and possibly life-threatening effects on horses. In a study completed at the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, researchers examined abnormal behavior of racehorses that were administered fluphenazine decanoate, a long-acting, antipsychotic drug used to ... Read full story
 9/27/2006
California Official Wants Vets Held Accountable for Medication Violations   *
Rick Arthur, DVM, the new equine medical director of the California Horse Racing Board, told a meeting of state horse breeders Sept. 22 that he plans to hold veterinarians accountable when trainers they advise are found in violation of horse medication rules. He cited a recent example in which a California trainer, who assumes ultimate responsibility ... Read full story
 9/25/2006
Kentucky, Ohio Employ Upgraded Blood-Doping Tests   *
Kentucky has performed random testing for blood-doping antibodies in racehorses of all breeds for more than a year, but now it's testing for the actual proteins, a process that could put more teeth in penalties. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is now using procedures similar to those in Ontario, Canada, where tests for erythropoietin (EPO) and ... Read full story
 9/8/2006
Therapeutic Drug Research, Necropsies Recommended by Racing Group  *
A subcommittee of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has recommended going forward with two studies--one that could lead to establishment of withdrawal times or threshold levels for therapeutic medications and one analyzing the medication levels in horses that sustain catastrophic injuries. Under one of the proposals approved by the subcommittee, ... Read full story
 9/7/2006
Lost in the Fog Given "Reasonable Chance"  *
The veterinarian treating sprint champion Lost in the Fog for cancerous tumors said Friday that the colt has "a reasonable chance" of reducing them to a size that's conducive for chemotherapy or surgery. Dr. Gary Magdesian, chief of equine medicine at the University of California, Davis, said Friday that Lost in the Fog is being treated with dexamethasone, ... Read full story
 8/27/2006
Surgeries and Steroids  *
A survey of buyers of Thoroughbred weanlings, yearlings, and 2-year-olds discovered that surgeries to correct conformation defects have a significant influence on whether or not someone will buy a horse at public auction. In fact, 28.4% of the 726 respondents to the survey sponsored by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's (TOBA) Sales ... Read full story
 8/22/2006
Calif. Owner to Sue Trainer Over Drug Positive  *
In a lawsuit that is believed to be unprecedented, the owner of a horse disqualified for a drug positive is suing his trainer for the redistributed purse money. Los Angeles-based attorney Alan Klein, whose Ellenay Racing owned Dyna Da Wyna when she won a maiden race at Santa Anita Park January 26, 2003, was ordered by the California Horse Racing Board ... Read full story
 8/18/2006
Definitive EPO Blood-Doping Test Developed  *
Edited press release A Pennsylvania laboratory is the first to employ a definitive test for erythropoietin--the blood-doping agent commonly known as EPO--and the test resulted in the suspension and fining of a trainer of Standardbreds in Ontario, Canada. The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory in West Chester, Pa., is the first ... Read full story
 8/10/2006
HBPA to Emirates: Reconsider Position on Brass Hat Disqualification  *
The board of directors of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has sent Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour, chairman of the Emirates Racing Association, an official position statement on the disqualification of Brass Hat from his second-place finish in this year's $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), and ... Read full story
 8/1/2006
New Director for USEF Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory  *
Thomas F. Lomangino of Laurel, Maryland has been named as the Director of the USEF Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory in Ithaca, New York effective August 15, 2006. He will be responsible for the administration and management of the facility as well as the daily supervision of all tests, analyses and research programs. Since 1988, Lomangino ... Read full story
 7/18/2006
California Using 'Milkshake' Blood Tests to Track Trends  *
California will soon release the results of a study that will reflect trends in connection with blood samples taken from about 6,000 racehorses for the purpose of "milkshake" --or TCO2 testing-- last year. California takes blood from all Thoroughbreds 30 minutes before post time. Samples are tested within 120 hours of collection; the maximum allowable ... Read full story
 7/17/2006
Plan Finalized to Set Policies on Withdrawal Times for Therapeutic Medications  *
During its meeting on Tuesday, June 27, the Board of Directors of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) finalized a two-part plan to establish model policies for withdrawal times for therapeutic medications in racehorses. In part one, the RMTC will compile existing withdrawal guidelines for 50 therapeutic medications identified by ... Read full story
 6/29/2006
Emirates Appeals Panel Upholds Brass Hat Disqualification  *
A three-member appeals panel of the Emirates Racing Authority has upheld the disqualification of Thoroughbred Brass Hat from his second-place finish in this year's Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) and the $5,400 fine imposed on trainer Buff Bradley. As a result of the Tuesday decision, which followed a two-hour teleconference hearing Monday (June 26), owner ... Read full story
 6/27/2006
Asmussen Faces Six Month Suspension and Fine  *
Steve Asmussen, North America's leading trainer in 2004 and 2005, is facing a six month suspension for a medication infraction involving the Class 2 drug mepivicaine, a local anesthetic. According to the Louisiana Racing Commission, Asmussen's appeal on a May 18 ruling was rejected when stewards reviewed the issue June 23. The trainer was fined $2,500 ... Read full story
 6/26/2006
Progress Made on Out-of-Competition Testing Front  *
Out-of-competition testing of racehorses can be problematic, but some jurisdictions are making headway to combat use of performance-enhancing substances that aren't administered on race day. The Ontario Racing Commission, under a new directive, will penalize owners and trainers who don't allow random blood samples to be drawn from their horses at ... Read full story
 6/8/2006
Brass Hat Disqualified From Second in Dubai World Cup  *
Brass Hat, who ran second in the March 25 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), has been disqualified because a post-race test revealed trace amounts of the drug methyl prednisolone acetate. After a two-day hearing via teleconference May 2 and 3, the stewards ordered the disqualification. Owner Fred Bradley will lose $1.2 million in purse money while his son, ... Read full story
 5/3/2006
Uniform Medication  *
The AAEP organized the Racing Medication Summit in December 2001 during the University of Arizona Racing Symposium in Tucson. By the end of the day, there was recognition by the participants that an opportunity existed to address the ongoing medication and drug testing controversies in horse racing. Soon thereafter, the Racing Medication and Testing ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Kentucky Issues Advisory on Naproxen Use  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has recommended horsemen discontinue the use of naproxen at least five days before a horse is scheduled to run to avoid facing a penalty if the horse tests positive for the drug on race day. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a potent pain reliever. The drug is often prescribed for lameness, ... Read full story
 4/20/2006
Reining Horse Association Releases Medication Position Statement   *
At the NRHA Board of Directors meeting held on April 2 at the International Headquarters of NRHA in Oklahoma City, Okla., the following was adopted: I. Statement of NRHA Medication Philosophy NRHA does not endorse the use of medications that by their nature or application are harmful to the health of the horse, or that may endanger the horse or ... Read full story
 4/14/2006
Milkshaking  *
The "milkshake" has enjoyed some popularity as a performance-enhancer for racehorses, although it is banned in all racing jurisdictions. This "milkshake" doesn’t involve milk and syrup; the primary ingredient is sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This metabolic milkshake is proposed to work on high school chemistry principles of acid/base ... Read full story
 4/1/2006
Kentucky Drug Penalties Changed   *
A 90-day emergency regulation governing violation of Thoroughbred racing medication rules expired Feb. 15, so the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) reverted to the old penalty rules. The regulation expired after a legislative subcommittee declined to give final approval two days before the expiration date. According to published reports, some ... Read full story
 4/1/2006
Animal Health and Consumer Protection  *
Reprinted with permission of FDA Consumer magazine Nearly a century ago, farmers had a medicine chest of products to "cure" their animals, with names such as Lee's Gizzard Capsules, Liquid Hog Medicine, and Kow-Kure. The gizzard capsules, made with nicotine, were advertised to get rid of worms in turkeys. Liquid Hog Medicine, which contained lye, ... Read full story
 3/13/2006
New York Enacts Pre-Race   *
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board voted Jan. 19 to adopt an emergency rule allowing for the collection of pre-race blood samples from horses entered into races at the state's Thoroughbred and harness tracks to test for excess alkalizing agents (milkshaking) that could affect the outcome of the race. Cornell University's Equine Drug Testing ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
New Drug Penalty Regulation in Kentucky Expires  *
A 90-day emergency regulation governing infractions of Kentucky equine medication rules expired Feb. 15 and the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) reverted back to the old rules that were previously in place. The new regulation expired after a legislative subcommittee declined to give final approval two days before it expired. According to published ... Read full story
 2/21/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Performance Horse Forum  *
"We're meant to be advocates for the welfare of the horse," said Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn., moderator of the Dec. 3, 2005 Performance Horse Forum at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Seattle, Wash. "The dilemma is handling the ill horse and allowing that horse to still compete ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
New Kentucky Drug Penalties Due to Expire; Authority Considers Options  *
Officials with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority were considering their options today (Feb. 15) following the failure of a legislative subcommittee to give final approval to new penalties for violations of the state's equine medication rules.The penalties were enacted as part of an emergency regulation that went into effect three months ago and were ... Read full story
 2/15/2006
New York Enacts Pre-Race "Milkshaking" Tests  *
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board voted Jan. 19 to adopt an emergency rule allowing for the collection of pre-race blood samples from horses entered into races at the state's Thoroughbred and harness tracks to test for excess alkalizing agents (milkshaking) that could affect the outcome of the race. The blood samples are sent to the Equine ... Read full story
 1/23/2006
Milkshaking Lawsuit Latest in Racetrack Dispute  *
Management of a Monticello, N.Y., harness track revealed on Tuesday (Jan. 3) that its horseman's association has filed a lawsuit to immediately terminate drug testing for illegal "milkshaking," the use of sodium bicarbonate solutions to enhance racehorse performance. According to the Times Herald-Record online (www.recordonline.com/archive/2006/01/05/news-jghorseside-01-05.html), ... Read full story
 1/5/2006
KHRA Approves Drug Regulations   *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) on Nov. 14, 2005, gave unanimous approval to revised medication rules that were controversial when implemented under an emergency order signed in August by Gov. Ernie Fletcher. The regulations are scheduled to take effect on or about Feb. 3. The rules address usage of common horse care products, certain ... Read full story
 1/1/2006
Legislative Subcommittee OKs Kentucky Drug Rules  *
Kentucky's new medication rules were approved Dec. 13 by the state General Assembly Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee. The rules, centered on race-day medication, were approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Nov. 14 and went through the legislative review process. They previously were implemented under an emergency order signed ... Read full story
 12/14/2005
AAEP Calls for Ban on Anabolic Steroids in Sale Horse Medication Guidelines  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners' Task Force on Medication Issues at Public Auction has released its recommendations for medication usage in horses presented for sale at public auctions. They include the banning of anabolic steroids in horses on the sale grounds and also call for sale companies to serve as the "principle enforcers" ... Read full story
 12/14/2005
"Zero Tolerance" Policy Leads to Positive Tests in Indiana  *
A "zero tolerance" policy in Indiana led to seven horses testing positive for cocaine during the waning weeks of Hoosier Park's recently concluded Thoroughbred meet. According to Indiana Horse Racing Commission executive director Joe Gorajec, the traces in each positive were very low, and would have fallen under the acceptable thresholds of other racing ... Read full story
 12/1/2005
Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Gives Final Approval to Drug Regulations  *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) on Nov. 14 gave unanimous approval to revised medication rules that had been the subject of controversy when implemented under an emergency order signed in August by Gov. Ernie Fletcher. The final draft, which is subject to regulatory review and possible change by the state's Legislative Research Commission, ... Read full story
 11/15/2005
Breeders Speak Out in Favor of Kentucky Medication Changes  *
More than 100 Kentucky-based breeders have come out in support of new equine medication and related penalties proposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. Arthur Hancock III of Stone Farm near Paris, Ky., sent breeders copies of a letter he wrote to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority and its executive, director Jim Gallagher. As of Oct. 28, Hancock ... Read full story
 11/2/2005
Suit Filed Over Death of Thoroughbred Racehorses  *
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the owners of millionaire sprinter Saratoga County, stakes winner Egg Head, and two other horses against a pharmacy that allegedly supplied a compounded drug treatment that led to the deaths of three of the horses and severe injury to the fourth. In a civil action filed Sept. 29 in the United States District Court ... Read full story
 10/18/2005
Kentucky Works on Withdrawal Times for Medications  *
In the wake of controversy concerning its new medication regulations, the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has formed two standing subcommittees to oversee the next phase of integrating the race-day medication regulations. The committees, which will report back to the council, are charged with developing medication withdrawal guidelines and better ... Read full story
 10/17/2005
Bernstein Horses in Detention for TC02 Positive  *
Horses trained by David Bernstein must spend at least 24 hours in a pre-race detention barn because one of his horses tested positive for a high level of total carbon dioxide at Del Mar. The detention period began Sept. 30 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meet and runs through Oct. 29. Officials with the consortium of racetracks and racing organizations ... Read full story
 10/17/2005
Change in Kentucky Drug Rules Could Trigger Lawsuit  *
The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) could file a lawsuit to prevent implementation of a new race-day medication policy in the state. Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed the more restrictive rules Aug. 19 under an emergency order. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) gave final approval to the new policy Aug. ... Read full story
 8/23/2005
California Trainers on Notice About Use of Anabolic Steroids  *
While steroid use by human athletes has caused a firestorm of controversy, trainers in California are being warned to avoid using anabolic steroids on their horses because of increased testing and uncertainty about withdrawal times. But the director of the state's drug-testing laboratory said the concern is misplaced. Trainer Laura de Seroux was ... Read full story
 8/16/2005
Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Approves New Medication Rules  *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority voted unanimously Aug. 15 to implement stiff medication rules and penalties that closely parallel rules adopted by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. The rules, which break down into three drug classifications, provide for Salix and two adjunct bleeder medications as the only medications permitted ... Read full story
 8/15/2005
NYRA Makes Security Barn Adjustments  *
The New York Racing Association is "100% committed" to race day security barns, but has taken immediate action to address concerns expressed by horsemen at Saratoga Race Course, NYRA president Charles E. Hayward said July 29. Hayward's remarks, contained in a NYRA press release, came after discussions July 26 with horsemen on improving the quality ... Read full story
 8/2/2005
Evidence Heard in Cocaine Case in Australia  *
Racing New South Wales stewards opened an inquiry on Monday (July 25) into the analyst's finding of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in the urine sample taken from the 3-year-old filly Love You Honey, who finished unplaced in race seven April 25, 2005, at Gosford Racecourse in Australia. The horse is trained by Australia's leading trainer, ... Read full story
 7/27/2005
Ellis Park to Conduct Random Milkshake Testing  *
Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. will randomly test horses before every race during its 2005 meet for alkalizing agents known as milkshakes. Under Ellis' milkshake testing policy, the track will require a random number of horses entered in each race during the July 13-Sept. 5 meet to submit to a blood test administered by or under the supervision of a ... Read full story
 7/5/2005
Churchill Outlines "Milkshake" Policy  *
With only a few differences, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. will be utilizing the same testing procedures for "milkshakes" that are in effect at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., and similar to those at many other North American tracks during the spring meet that begins April 30. Under the policy, outlined by Churchill president Steve Sexton ... Read full story
 4/25/2005
Olympic Appeal Over Drugs   *
According to the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), German Olympian Ludger Beerbaum filed an appeal on Feb. 3 with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision taken by the FEI Judicial Committee. The committee disqualified Beerbaum and his horse, Goldfever 3, from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games Show Jumping competitions--competitions ... Read full story
 4/1/2005
Jurisdictions Begin Milkshake Testing   *
Following recommendations issued in January by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, several racing jurisdictions have approved plans to test horses for evidence of "milkshaking" or excess levels of total carbon dioxide (TCO2). Milkshakes are a mixture of a bicarbonate of soda and liquid given to a horse before it races. This is intended to ... Read full story
 4/1/2005
Athens Gold Medalist Cian O'Connor Disqualified  *
Following a hearing held in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 27, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Judicial Committee determined that there had been a breach of FEI General Regulations Art. 146.2 at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens related to the presence of the prohibited substances of fluphenazine and zuclopenthixol in the horse ... Read full story
 3/29/2005
Drug Testing  *
Controversy over medication and drug testing has been around since organized equine competitions came into being. There has always been more disagreement than agreement among the various factions involved, and more contention than harmony. Drug testing is a legal part of nearly all breed and discipline competitions these days, and much of what is done ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
AQHA Approves Surpass  *
The American Quarter Horse Association has Surpass, a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. The AQHA Executive Committee approved the medication during their January meeting to keep in line with the rules of the United States Equestrian Federation Inc., which permitted therapeutic use of Surpass late last year. Surpass (diclofenac) ... Read full story
 2/24/2005
AAEP Releases Guidelines Addressing Use of Compounded Medications  *
The Drug Compounding Task Force of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has released guidelines regarding the responsible use of compounded medications by veterinarians. The guidelines are the result of the association's commitment to educating its members on this increasingly important topic within the animal health industry. Issues ... Read full story
 2/22/2005
FEI Task Force on Medication and Doping Holds Second Meeting  *
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Task Force on Medication and Doping, Chaired by Sven Holmberg of Sweden, held its second meeting in Paris on Feb. 2. The a six-person task force was established in late 2004 to re-assess policies necessary to eliminate abusive and illegal performance-enhancing drugs and to review the general ... Read full story
 2/16/2005
COX-2 Selective Drugs Considered Safe for Horses  *
Following the release of human clinical trial data demonstrating the link between pain-relieving medications known as COX-2 inhibitors and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a public health advisory recommending limited use of the drugs. The advisory, which also covers various non-steroidal ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
AAEP Convention 2004: Performance Horse Forum  *
Performance horse veterinarians treat everything from the cutting horse to the dressage mount, but when it comes to issues pertinent to their practice, they are much alike. The problems of online and traveling pharmacies, clients' administering medications, drug testing at shows, and compounding were discussed at the performance forum at the 2004 convention ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
NYRA Milkshake Tests to Begin Feb. 16  *
The New York Racing Association will begin pre-race and post-race testing for "milkshakes" Feb. 16 at Aqueduct. Both forms of testing will be performed in an effort to collect data to determine the best method. Random pre-race testing will be performed each day, while post-race testing will be performed on every race, NYRA officials said in a Feb. ... Read full story
 2/10/2005
Beerbaum Files Appeal in Case that Could Affect Olympic Show Jumping Team Medal Standings  *
As announced by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) earlier this week, German Olympian Ludger Beerbaum filed an appeal on Feb. 3 with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision taken by the FEI Judicial Committee. The FEI Judicial Committee disqualified Beerbaum and his horse, Goldfever 3, from the Athens Olympic Games ... Read full story
 2/9/2005
Report: Kentucky Tracks Might Test for Milkshakes  *
Kentucky racetracks could begin testing for "milkshakes" this spring under their own guidelines, officials said. A milkshake is a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and a liquid given to a horse before it competes. Milkshakes are believed to enhance performance. The old Kentucky Racing Commission in 2001 adopted a policy that banned the practice, but ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
No Fine, Suspension in New York Positives  *
Two horses who ran at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., last summer were disqualified from their finishing positions because of positive drug tests, but Mark Shuman, who trained both horses for owner Michael Gill, will not be disciplined in the incident. Clay's Rocket, winner of the second race at Saratoga Aug. 8, 2004, and Kalookan ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
Kentucky Panel: Adopt Model Medication Rules  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council set in motion major changes in the state's medication and drug-testing policies when it voted Feb. 4 to recommend adoption of the model rules devised by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. The drug council voted 7-1 in favor of the model rules. The lone dissenter was Susan Bunning, president ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
FEI Appoints Task Force on Doping and Medications   *
At its recent meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI, the international governing body of equine sport) Bureau established a six-person task force to reassess policies necessary to eliminate abusive and illegal performance-enhancing drugs and to review the general medication control of horses. The task force ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
AQHA Set to Drug Test 300 Shows   *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was to begin testing for performance-enhancing medications at approximately 300 approved shows in January as a result of a recommendation made by the drug and medications task force. The task force had met to discuss the increased cost of drug testing and the decreasing number of states voluntarily testing ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
Drug Consortium Moves on Violations, "Milkshakes"  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has set a deadline for adoption of recommended uniform medication violations and testing protocol for "milkshakes," which are mixtures of bicarbonate of soda and a liquid given to a racehorse before it competes. The consortium met Jan. 24 for about eight hours in Southern California. It set a deadline of ... Read full story
 1/26/2005
Arizona Racing Officials Prepared to Delve into Raids, Medication  *
Arizona Department of Racing officials have planned hearings in early January for eight horse owners or trainers whose barns were raided by state and federal officials Dec. 15 at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. The raids, according to the Arizona Republic, involved tack rooms. Investigators found therapeutic medications that weren't prescribed by a veterinarian ... Read full story
 1/5/2005
USEF Permits Use of Surpass   *
Effective Dec. 1, 2004, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Rule permitted the therapeutic use of Surpass, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory product (NSAID) recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in horses. This is a topical preparation of 1% diclofenac cream from IDEXX Pharmaceuticals. ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
AQHA Set to Drug Test An Additional 300 Shows  *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) will test for performance-enhancing medications at approximately 300 approved shows. The efforts to protect the American Quarter Horse comes from a recommendation made by a drug and medications task force and will launch in January 2005. "Our No. 1 responsibility is to protect our athletes, which include ... Read full story
 12/28/2004
FEI: Decision on German Olympic Medication Cases  *
Goldfever 3 and Ludger Beerbaum of Germany--2004 Athens Olympic GamesFollowing a hearing held in Zurich (SUI) on Dec. 2, the FEI Judicial Committee determined that there had been a breach of FEI General Regulations Art. 146.2 at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens relating to the presence of the prohibited substance betamethasone in the horse Goldfever ... Read full story
 12/4/2004
FEI Task Force on Doping and Medication Policy Appointed  *
At its recent meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI, the international governing body of equine sport) Bureau decided to establish a task force to reassess the policies necessary for the elimination of abusive and illegal performance enhancing drugs and to review the general medication control of horses. The ... Read full story
 12/2/2004
Gold Medal Horse Tests Positive for Drugs   *
Four horses that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece--including one gold medalist--have tested positive for banned substances. The four positive horses are Irish show jumping gold medal winner Waterford Crystal, ridden by Cian O'Connor; German showjumper Goldfever, ridden by Ludger Beerbaum; German event horse Ringwood Cockatoo, ridden ... Read full story
 12/1/2004
Kentucky Equine Drug Panel Gets New Members  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, which hasn't met since the fall of 2003, has been officially reconstituted. The council serves in an advisory capacity to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The terms of members of the previous council expired this summer. Gov. Ernie Fletcher announced the new appointments Nov. 23 in a release. Connie ... Read full story
 12/1/2004
USEF Includes California in Plan to Standardize Drug Testing Fees  *
In a move designed to standardize drug testing fees across the country, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced a new plan to restructure fees for competitions in California. This restructuring will finally put California on equal footing with the other 49 states—while eliminating confusion for exhibitors and organizers alike. ... Read full story
 11/22/2004
USEF Rule Permits Use of Surpass  *
Effective Dec. 1, 2004, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Rule permits the therapeutic use of Surpass, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory product (NSAID) recently approved by the FDA for use in horses. This is a topical preparation of 1% diclofenac cream, from IDEXX Pharmaceuticals. (For more information on the ... Read full story
 11/17/2004
Clenbuterol Appeals Denied, Suspensions Upheld  *
Harry Thompson Jr., the leading trainer at Penn National Race Course eight of the past 10 years, has been suspended for 315 days and fined $5,250 for positive tests of clenbuterol in 2002. The Patriot-News of Harrisburg, Pa., reported Commonwealth Court on Nov. 5 denied the appeals of Thompson and fellow trainers Robert Lopez, Bruno Bellucci, and ... Read full story
 11/11/2004
Louisiana Targets Blood-Doping,   *
The Louisiana State Racing Commission medication committee has asked the full commission to ban the use and possession of the blood-doping substances erythropoietin (EPO) and darbepoietin, as well as consider measures aimed at random pre-race testing for carbon dioxide caused by "milkshakes" (alkalizing agents). In the statement released by the racing ... Read full story
 10/27/2004
Positive Drug Tests at 2004 Olympics  *
Four horses that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, have tested positive for banned substances, including a gold medal winner. The four positive horses are showjumping gold medal winner Waterford Crystal, ridden by Cian O'Connor and representing Ireland; showjumper Goldfever, ridden by Ludger Beerbaum and representing Germany; event ... Read full story
 10/25/2004
Kentucky Panel Adopts Policy on Horse Identification  *
Horses racing in Kentucky will now be identified the morning of their respective races and before leaving the paddock following a directive from Jim Gallagher, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA). Gallagher, during an Oct. 18 KHRA meeting at Churchill Downs, told authority members the state veterinarian would now check ... Read full story
 10/19/2004
Gold Medal Horse Tests Positive for Drugs  *
Four horses that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece--including one gold medalist--have tested positive for banned substances. The four positive horses are Irish show jumping gold medal winner Waterford Crystal, ridden by Cian O'Connor; German showjumper Goldfever, ridden by Ludger Beerbaum; German event horse Ringwood Cockatoo, ridden ... Read full story
 10/11/2004
USEF Statement Regarding Positive Drug Tests at the 2004 Olympic Games  *
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport, announced that four horses tested positive during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. None of the four horses represented the United States. "Although lengthy, the medications hearing process is an intentionally thorough procedure and all countries and ... Read full story
 10/8/2004
EPO Testing Making a Difference at the Track  *
One of the most potentially damaging drugs to hit the racetrack in recent years is erythropoietin, or EPO. A synthetic version of a naturally-occurring hormone which stimulates the bone marrow to make more red blood cells, EPO was designed to treat anemia in human chemotherapy patients, and those with severe renal disease. It was considered a medical ... Read full story
 10/4/2004
BET Pharm Kentucky Raided by FDA; Drugs Seized   *
At the request of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued a seizure warrant on Aug. 11 for what it called various illegally compounded drug products for use in horses found at BET Pharm, LLC, in Lexington, Ky. The U.S. Marshals Service executed the warrant on Aug. 12. The FDA advised ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
California Horse Racing Board Proposes Ban on Milkshakes  *
Use of alkalizing agents--so-called "milkshakes"--on horses would be illegal under a new regulation proposed Sept. 15 to the California Horse Racing Board. Ron Jensen, DVM, MS, the CHRB's director of equine medicine, told the board that the agency's random surveying this spring of horses racing at Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows ... Read full story
 9/17/2004
Racing Drug Panel Moves Forward with Per-Start Fee for Owners  *
Lab accreditation, quality assurance to get close look Racehorse owners would contribute about $4.5 million a year to support research projects under a recommendation by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, which continues to seek a uniform policy for medication and drug testing in the United States. The consortium met Sept. 9 in Lexington, ... Read full story
 9/15/2004
Full Implementation of Drug Testing Delayed  *
The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has delayed implementation of its drug-testing protocol for graded stakes in the United States because not all jurisdictions were prepared to implement it, the American Graded Stakes Committee said July 14. The enforcement date for the rules was July 1. The committee, in a release, said it conveyed ... Read full story
 7/21/2004
Lobbying for Proposed National Drug Policy Continues  *
Three months after national regulators' associations approved model rules for a proposed national medication policy, the task of lobbying jurisdictions to adopt them continues. The Association of Racing Commissioners International and the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators' Association approved the model rules April 3 during a joint convention ... Read full story
 7/2/2004
New Topical Osteoarthritis Treatment Available  *
The FDA recently approved a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be applied to the skin over a horse's joint to relieve pain of osteoarthritis. The approval represents the first topical equine pharmaceutical formulation of a compound called diclofenac that uses liposome technology--which allows medication to be absorbed straight ... Read full story
 6/2/2004
Governing Equine Competition   *
As the National Governing Body for equestrian sport, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF, formerly U.S.A. Equestrian) takes seriously the importance of providing a fair and level playing field for all competitors. This mission is a large and important one. Administering the rules and regulations requires not only the work of the Federation's ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Arkansas, Illinois Clamping Down on Equine Milkshakes   *
Arkansas and Illinois have altered their medication policies to, among other things, provide harsher penalties for trainers if a horse in their care tests positive for a milkshake (a sodium bicarbonate mixture administered via stomach tube, intended to decrease blood acidity, countering the lactic acid that is produced during high speed performance ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Banamine Returns to the Market  *
Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that Banamine Injectable Solution, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for horses, is available again to treat inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders and colic. Production of the drug was halted in May 2002, when Schering-Plough signed a consent decree of permanent injunction ... Read full story
 4/23/2004
Educational Event after Rolex Thursday April 22  *
Spectators at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington and area horse owners will have the opportunity to hear about some of the latest veterinary technologies for the sport horse from top veterinarians on April 22 after the first day of dressage rides concludes. The event will be held in the Kentucky Horse Park South Theater from 4-6 p.m.; ... Read full story
 4/21/2004
Million Dollar Jury Award in Equitrol Lawsuit; Farnam Plans Appeal  *
(Updated Story) A jury awarded $1,007,500 to plaintiffs who alleged in a lawsuit that Farnam's Equitrol, a feed-through fly control product, was defectively designed and caused harm to their Thoroughbred and Warmblood sport horses. Farnam countered with a press release stating that it is appealing the decision and believes that the court decision is ... Read full story
 4/14/2004
Equine Drug Research Program Suspended  *
The University of Kentucky's (UK) equine drug research program, funded by pari-mutuel handle under the auspices of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, has been suspended indefinitely. A memorandum obtained by The Blood-Horse indicates the decision was made March 31, but it wasn't immediately known if there was a grace period. The program has worked ... Read full story
 4/13/2004
Proposed National Drug Policy Takes Another Step Forward  *
Voluntary Salix use, 24-hour rule on non-steroidals sought Officials gathered in New Orleans for the first Joint Conference of Racing Regulators approved model rules for a national medication policy. It calls for voluntary use of Salix on race days and use of one of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs no later than 24 hours before a race. The ... Read full story
 4/10/2004
California Latest State to Focus on Equine "Milkshakes"  *
Random pre-race testing for "milkshakes"--the loading of bicarbonates through a stomach tube to reduce fatigue-causing buildup of lactic acid--began at Santa Anita Park in late February, but the California Horse Racing Board is referring to the program as a survey because no penalties will be applied if a horse tests positive. Concerned over widespread ... Read full story
 3/23/2004
AAEP Wrap-Up: Compounding  *
Charlotte A. Lacroix, DVM, Esq. (attorney) of New Jersey, presented a session on compounding at the convention. Lacroix cautioned her veterinary audience that illegal compounding is a potential tidal wave in liability. The FDA says a drug is any substance, food, or non-food used to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent a disease. A drug also is any non-food ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Drug Interaction in Lame Horses  *
Whether it is in the Olympics, Major League Baseball, college football or horse racing, the use of multiple pain-relieving drugs to enhance performance is a major concern. Now, one University of Missouri-Columbia veterinarian is testing different combinations of non-steroidal, pain-killing drugs in horses to determine if their use actually enhances ... Read full story
 2/26/2004
AAEP 2003: Medications and Drug Testing  *
A packed room during the AAEP’s Racing Forum held sometimes heated discussions about the facts and nuances of the on-going Racing Medication and Testing Consortium’s (RMTC) attempt to create a uniform medication policy for racing in the United States. Milton McClure, DVM, a racetrack practitioner from Bossier City, La., chaired the session that centered ... Read full story
 2/3/2004
Texas Increases Number of Post-Race Drug Tests  *
The Texas Racing Commission has authorized the Texas Medical Diagnostic Laboratory to increase the amount of ELISA tests it conducts and decrease the number of screens it evaluates from urine samples collected for post-race analysis. Officials have indicated the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test is cost-effective and highly sensitive, and it ... Read full story
 1/9/2004
FEI and Welfare   *
What does international equestrian sport do to ensure healthy, fair, and clean competition? As a sport where the horse is used for its athletic abilities and man is at the helm, it is crucial that the horse be properly safeguarded. Ethics and Horse Welfare--The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) considers the welfare of the horse its most important ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
Regulators View Drug Policy; No Race-Day Changes Yet  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium continued its march toward a national model policy on medication and drug testing Dec. 10 when regulators responded favorably to the proposal. But wholesale changes in race-day medication rules around the country aren't expected to take place any time soon. Regulators from 24 United States jurisdictions, ... Read full story
 12/11/2003
Pennsylvania Considering Test for EPO Antibodies  *
During a preliminary meeting Dec. 2 at Philadelphia Park, industry officials discussed testing for erythropoietin (EPO) antibodies that could be implemented in Pennsylvania and perhaps a few other Mid-Atlantic states in 2004. The meeting was attended by Sal Sinatra, director of racing at Philly Park; Ben Nolt, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania ... Read full story
 12/5/2003
Veterinarians, Trainers Support Ky. Drug Policy  *
The debate over whether Kentucky should implement a restrictive race-day medication policy heated up Nov. 18 with calls by racetrack veterinarians and trainers to keep the current policy intact, and criticism of the way the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium handles its business. Some speakers at the Kentucky Racing Commission-sponsored ... Read full story
 12/2/2003
Five Saddlebreds Suffer Injuries After Mystery Injections  *
The Associated Press reports that five American Saddlebreds in Versailles, KY, including one former five-gaited world champion, suffered life-threatening injuries after their pasterns were injected with an unknown substance. COURTESY DOUG SHIFLET Wild Eyed and Wicked, owned by Joe and Sally Jackson, an 11-year-old gelding and former five-gaited ... Read full story
 7/3/2003
Uniform Drug Policy Years Away   *
A standardized medication and testing policy for Thoroughbred racing in the United States is three to five years away, said Rick Arthur, DVM, vice president and director of the Oak Tree Racing Association and a member of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. He said this during an April 1 California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) Medication Committee ... Read full story
 6/1/2003
Drugs and Competition  *
The use of drugs in the competition horse carries with it some extra concerns and responsibilities. Many of the major issues related to drug use in the performance horse involve the treatment of lameness. It is imperative that the moral and ethical line between treating minor pains and more serious injuries be quite clear. Many of the anti-inflammatory ... Read full story
 6/1/2003
Hong Kong Trainer Contends Shampoo Contained Banned Substance  *
According to an Associated Press story on bloodhorse.com, a top Hong Kong horse trainer ridiculed a doping charge against him after officials found the banned substance in a shampoo handed out freely by track veterinarians, a newspaper reported Wednesday. Trainer Ivan Allan attacked The Hong Kong Jockey Club's chief veterinary surgeon, Dr. Keith ... Read full story
 5/22/2003
Drug Raid at Australia Racetrack Produces Zero Positives  *
A massive out-of-competition drug-testing raid was conducted at Randwick racecourse Monday morning in Australia as 30 trainers had blood samples taken from horses in their stable. The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) Racing tested the samples for performance-enhancing drugs, including EPO and peptide hormone. New South Wales chairman of ... Read full story
 4/16/2003
Change in Store for Kentucky Equine Drug Research?  *
A campaign to bring about changes in equine drug research in Kentucky has spilled over into the public and political arenas with a call for legislative action. The Kentucky Equine Drug Council began a fight more than a year ago for the right to spend its money for out-of-state research and consultants. The drug council, which falls under the auspices ... Read full story
 1/23/2003
Drugs and Medications Rules Revised at USA Equestrian Meeting  *
A rule change designed to reduce incidence of corticosteroid abuse in equine athletes was among several topics discussed in the Veterinary and Equine Drugs and Medications (D&M) committee meetings and D&M Open Forum Jan. 16-17 at the 2003 USA Equestrian (USAE) Convention in Lexington, Ky. Veterinarians, competitors, and industry officials on ... Read full story
 1/22/2003
Morphine Positives Bring Call for Threshold Levels  *
Be My Royal, winner of the one the biggest races of the National Hunt season to date, faces disqualification in connection with a rash of positive drug tests for traces of morphine in British and Irish races due to contaminated feed. The situation has brought a call for threshold levels for morphine and other substances that may occur through environmental ... Read full story
 1/14/2003
AAEP 2002: Possible Environmental Sources of Drug Positives  *
As post-performance drug testing methods become more sensitive, racehorse and show horse owners, veterinarians, handlers, and trainers have become more aware that positive drug tests could be the result of inadvertent contamination of the horse with chemicals present in the environment. Cynthia Kollias-Baker, DVM, PhD, director of the Racing Laboratory ... Read full story
 1/7/2003
AAEP 2002 Racehorse Medication Table Topic  *
Horse racing has far more stringent medication regulations than most other equine disciplines, and this was reflected in the Racehorse Medications Table Topic discussion at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention on Friday, Dec. 6. The majority of the discussion revolved around the legality of using various medications and ... Read full story
 1/2/2003
AAEP 2002: Racing Forum  *
Medications issues aren't only centered on the work to create a uniform medication policy for racehorses, but on “renegade” drug manufacturers—who produce products that are not legal and contain little, none, or too much of various ingredients—and compounded drugs, which are not the same as “generic” drugs in the human market. “People want the problem ... Read full story
 12/11/2002
National HBPA to Issue Revised Medication Proposal  *
The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is prepared to release a revised proposal for a national policy on drug testing and therapeutic medication. The document deals with Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 medications, as well as prohibited practices. In the preamble, the National HBPA says its goal is to "harmonize medication policies and ... Read full story
 12/11/2002
Diagnosing Problems Using Equine Hair   *
A horse's hair can be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing nutritional status, environmental poisoning, and drug use and abuse, according to Mark Dunnett, BVSc, of the UK's Royal Veterinary College. Dunnett presented this topic at the Kentucky Equine Research conference held in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 19-20. After giving extensive background information ... Read full story
 12/1/2002
Kentucky Drug Council Discusses EPO Options  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council met Thursday at Keeneland to discuss options to identify and enforce the prohibited use of erythropoietin (EPO). The drug, commonly called EPO and marketed under the name Epogen, is suspected to be in use in horses at the racetrack, although the substance, which increases the production of red blood cells, ... Read full story
 10/25/2002
California Joins Growing List of States to Ban EPO  *
Erythropoietin, a human medication designed to increase the concentration of red blood cells that is rumored to be in use on racehorses, has been added to the list of prohibited veterinary substances on racing premises by the California Horse Racing Board. The board voted unanimously at its Wednesday meeting to take the action, adding California to ... Read full story
 8/22/2002
Poppies Causing Positive Drug Tests Down Under  *
According to an Associated Press story, poppies grown on the Australian island state of Tasmania for the pharmaceutical industry are causing controversy by producing positive opium tests in racehorses. Six horses have been disqualified in the past year for positive test results, and it has been suggested that the poppies were either blown or deposited ... Read full story
 7/31/2002
Next Racehorce Medication Meeting Set for May 1  *
Racing leaders who convened last December in Tucson for the industry’s first-ever Racehorse Medication Summit will hold a second meeting on Wed., May 1 at the Executive Inn in Louisville, Ky. Discussion will focus on the implementation of the group’s recommendations on medication, testing, security, and enforcement that were developed in December. ... Read full story
 4/19/2002
Medication, Regulatory Matters on Front Burner  *
While the Thoroughbred industry makes an aggressive push toward unification on the issue of drug testing and medication, two organizations involved in the regulation of racing--the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) and the National Association of Pari-Mutuel Regulators (NAPRA)--continue to go their separate ways. Lonny Powell, ... Read full story
 4/19/2002
Therapeutic Medications in the Spotlight Once Again  *
As the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Racing Integrity and Drug Testing Task Force prepared to release the results of round two of its super-testing program (an initiative to identify drugs that may be used and to streamline the testing process), the University of Florida appropriately kicked off its first Equine Medical Symposium ... Read full story
 3/15/2002
Racetrack Vets Could Form Own Organization  *
As the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Racing Integrity and Drug Testing Task Force prepared for its March 12 meeting, some racetrack veterinarians moved closer to forming their own organization. Representatives from The Race Track Practitioners, a Lexington-based group, said that a proposed universal medication policy it floated last fall ... Read full story
 3/12/2002
Competition Medication   *
I don't know of any horse owner who doesn't give medication to his or her horse. However, for those who compete with a horse, the medication issue has been front and center for the last few years, and it's a hot topic again. There is legal medication, illegal medication, and illegal use of legal medication. There also is the problem of "supplements" ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Barretts Plans To Limit Clenbuterol Use at Juvenile Auctions  *
All the details have not been finalized, but Barretts Equine Limited plans to prevent consignors from treating their juvenile sale horses with clenbuterol within 72 hours of presale under tack shows. The California auction company also plans to change the focus of its drug testing for under tack shows from blood to urine. Blood will continue to be ... Read full story
 1/29/2002
Medication Summit Report Makes 21 Recommendations   *
Uniformity among testing procedures and the development of a broad-based funding mechanism to support expanded testing programs and research were among 21 recommendations made by Racehorse Medication Summit report released Jan. 4. The report also recommends that furosemide, better known as Salix or formerly Lasix, should be the only drug permitted ... Read full story
 1/9/2002
Text of Racehorse Medication Summit Report  *
From the American Association of Equine Practitioners Note: The Summit report follows in its entirety. Jim Gallagher and Dr. Wayne McIlwraith are serving as the spokespersons for this effort. Mr. Gallagher can be reached at 212-907-9280, and Dr. McIlwraith can be contacted at 970-491-4165. RACEHORSE MEDICATION SUMMIT REPORTDecember 4, 2001 - Tucson, ... Read full story
 1/9/2002
Summit Comes Down to Time and Money  *
In the aftermath of Tuesday's Racehorse Medication Summit, it was all about time and money. Participants said they wouldn't have much more to say until the official minutes of the meeting are released, and that the success of any proposal hinges on a funding mechanism. "I think it's important the industry understands that this is going to take money," ... Read full story
 12/5/2001
Medication Summit: Consensus, But Very Few Details  *
Participants at Tuesday's Racehorse Medication Summit in Tucson, Ariz., reached a consensus on medication, drug-testing, security, and enforcement, but said much of any future policy depends on scientific determinations. The group of about 30 industry officials did agree on the need for a uniform medication policy and decision levels for therapeutic ... Read full story
 12/4/2001
Industry Hopes For Starting Point on Drugs  *
Racing industry participants expressed hope Tuesday morning that a five-hour facilitated session on medication would at least serve as a starting point toward uniformity. No one expected radical changes in current policies that vary by jurisdiction in the United States. On an unusually cloudy and rainy morning in Tucson, Ariz., 31 invited representatives ... Read full story
 12/4/2001
EPO Test Raises Questions About Regulation  *
The impact a New South Wales test for erythropoietin, commonly known as EPO, will have on horse racing in the United States remains to be seen.The subject will be addressed during the Dec. 4 medication summit in Tucson, Ariz. A test for EPO, designed for use in humans suffering with anemia, was developed in New South Wales this fall. Chemists in the ... Read full story
 11/15/2001
Test for EPO in Horses Developed  *
The New South Wales Racing Laboratory has developed a test to detect the drug erythropoietin, commonly known as EPO, in racehorses, according to release on the Racing New South Wales Web site. The medication is considered a performance-enhancer. Tony Hartnell, chairman of the New South Wales Thoroughbred Racing Board, said development of the test ... Read full story
 11/2/2001
Phenylbutazone (Bute) Longevity
I was wondering how many days phenylbutazone (Bute) can stay in a horse's system? I have a horse which has to stay on this medication on a fairly constant basis. Carole If you mean how long is the drug effective at reducing inflammation or how long can it be detected in serum or urine, the answers are different. Also, dosage is a significant factor, ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
LSU Equine Veterinary Research: Young and Growing  *
The Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries in Louisiana were influential in funding and building the veterinary school at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, but the school serves all the state's horses and their owners. Although one of the newest schools in terms of number of classes graduated, LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine gets ... Read full story
 10/16/2001
"Herbal Advantage" Product Causes Positive Drug Tests   *
An undisclosed number of positive tests for the class 3 drugs phenylpropanoloamine and norpseudoephedrine has prompted the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to urge trainers to scrutinize any herbal products or food supplements they feed their horses. Fifteen trainers were notified on Aug. 9 by the board, asking them to avoid a specific herbal product. ... Read full story
 8/1/2001
Handle Medications Safely  *
Many equine caregivers are giving medications to their horses this time of year for breeding, seasonal training, and competition. Often we take for granted the handling of commonly used substances, with never a thought as to adverse effects on ourselves. There are a number of medications that can, in fact, be harmful. By knowing what these drugs can ... Read full story
 7/1/2001
Lasix Has A New Name  *
The name has changed, but the drug has not. Lasix is now SALIX in the veterinary industry. When Intervet acquired Hoechst Roussel Vet in November 1999, Intervet agreed that Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Hoechst AG) would retain Lasix as the registered trademark for the human drug. This is why the veterinary furosemide product has now become SALIX. Lasix, ... Read full story
 6/8/2001
National Survey of Antibiotic Use By Veterinarians  *
Addressing one of the most important emerging health issues of the century, a team of veterinary epidemiologists at Colorado State University has devised a first-of-its-kind survey to assess the use of antibiotics by veterinary professionals. "There is no evidence that veterinarians in this country are using antibiotics injudiciously, but there has ... Read full story
 5/18/2001
Compounded Ulcer Products: Buyer Beware  *
Scientists are warning horse owners and veterinarians to be cautious of compounded (private pharmacy-mixed) gastric ulcer medications. One study showed that a compounded product was not absorbed very well, while another researcher warned against possible problems with the shelf life of compounded ulcer medications. The compounded ulcer drugs are being ... Read full story
 5/1/2001
Drugs And Medication Rules Change Minimally  *
Rule change proposals that would have dramatically changed drug testing procedures of the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) were withdrawn at the organization's annual meeting held Jan. 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The AHSA Veterinary and Drugs & Medications (D&M) Committees had lively open discussion Jan. 11 about randomization ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
FEI Contiunes Fight Against Doping  *
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has signed an extended contract with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA,). The previous contract with WADA expired on Jan. 1. The FEI has joined many other International Federations in their continuous efforts to combat doping in sport, by signing an extension to the former contract. All FEI competitors ... Read full story
 2/23/2001
Banamine Contamination  *
A study conducted by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricul-tural Science reported that flunixin (Banamine) given IV or orally (granulate in oats) could contaminate stalls and cause future, untreated horses to test positive for the medication because of environmental contamination. This means that a horse which was not treated with flunixin ... Read full story
 2/1/2001
Rules On The Road to Victory  *
The USA Equestrian Drug Testing Program In the early 1970s, there was uproar in the country's show arenas. Competitors wanted a level playing field--one competitor shouldn't have a "chemical" advantage over another. The uproar resulted in the first big move toward establishing drugs and medications rule enforcement in equestrian competition. ... Read full story
 2/1/2001
Drug Testing Integrity  *
Forty veterinarians, chemists, and horse industry professionals met Oct. 6-8 for the eighth Testing Integrity Program (TIP) workshop at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky. TIP was formed in 1995 as a non-profit organization at a meeting at Keeneland race track in Kentucky. Members of the group meet periodically to facilitate ... Read full story
 12/1/2000
Blood Builders (Hematinics)
Administration of hematinics (also known as "blood builders") to horses, either in the form of dietary supplements or as injectable compounds, is commonly practiced by owners, trainers, and veterinarians. The general objective in using these compounds is to increase a horse's supply of nutrients essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and red blood ... Read full story
 12/1/2000
AHSA Drug Regulation Changes  *
The AHSA recently announced the adoption of two amendments to the Drugs and Medications Rule that was proposed by the Drugs and Medications Committee at a meeting in July. Each change would serve to liberalize an aspect of the Drugs and Medications Rule and to accommodate the interests of trainers and exhibitors. The first amendment deals with the ... Read full story
 11/1/2000
8th International Testing Intregity Program Workshop  *
The Eighth International Testing Integrity Program (TIP) workshop on equine drug testing will be held October 6-8 at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center of the University of Kentucky. Over 40 research veterinarians and chemists from around the world will spend the next three days focusing on new technologies in equine drug testing. The primary ... Read full story
 10/6/2000
Supplements And Drugs  *
There is much confusion among horse owners about products. This stems from the avalanche of new products being marketed over-the-counter as nutraceuticals or nutritional supplements. The claims made about these products often are what classifies them either as a drug or a nutritional supplement, and determines whether the Food and Drug Administration ... Read full story
 10/1/2000
MSM Studies  *
A new study is being performed to evaluate the effectiveness of MSM in reducing pain and inflammation in Standardbred racehorses. The study is sponsored by Carolwood Corporation (maker of an MSM product) and conducted by Ronald Reigel, DVM. Reigel is author of The Illustrated Atlas of Clinical Equine Anatomy and Common Disorders of the Horse, and ... Read full story
 9/1/2000
Drugs and Medication Continuing Education  *
In response to repeated inquiries and as part of the American Horse Shows Associations Drugs and Medications continuing education program, the AHSA released an interview September 14, 2000, in which Dr. John Lengel, the Administrator of the Drugs and Medications Programs, spoke with Dr. George Maylin, Associate Professor at Cornell University, regarding ... Read full story
 9/1/2000
AHSA Executive Committee Adopts Drugs and Medications Rule Changes  *
At its August 7, 2000, meeting the AHSA Executive Committee adopted two amendments to the Drugs and Medications Rule that were proposed by the Drugs and Medications Committee at its July 10, 2000 meeting. Each would serve to liberalize an aspect of the Drugs and Medications Rule and to accommodate the interests of trainers and exhibitors. The first ... Read full story
 9/1/2000
Performance Boosters  *
They purport to "Increase power." "Delay fatigue." "Increase stamina." "Build muscle." "Reduce recovery time." "Extensive research has proven..." Doubtless, most of you have seen and read advertisements for nutritional supplements in which the manufacturers make these and other similar claims. In the past decade or so, there has been a tremendous increase ... Read full story
 8/1/2000
Nutraceutical Supplements  *
Every tack shop, every feed store, every veterinarian's mobile dispensing van is virtually bulging with them these days--the buckets, tubs, and bottles of nutritional supplements available for your horse. Every horse magazine, including this one, is splashed with eye-catching ads claiming miracle results when you feed Supplement X. One promises improved ... Read full story
 2/1/2000
Florida HBPA Announces Gold Level Sponsorship   *
The Florida Horsemen's Protective and Benevolent Association (HBPA), in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of equine health and its impact on performance, has partnered with Merial, the maker of GASTROGARD (omeprazole) Paste, the first and only equine gastric ulcer medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Florida ... Read full story
 2/1/2000
McLain Ward Suspended and Fined by AHSA   *
The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA), the National Equestrian Federation of the United States, announced Wednesday that following a meeting of its Hearing Committee, two plea agreements entered into by McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., were approved, and he has been suspended from all of the AHSA's recognized competitions in the United States and ... Read full story
 12/16/1999
Bapten Discontinued By PR Pharmaceuticals  *
The equine tendon medication Bapten has been discontinued by its manufacturer, PR Pharmaceuticals, because of a lack of demand for the product. The expense and length of treatment involved with Bapten therapy kept the drug from becoming popular with horse owners, according to Keri Nightingale, the company's marketing manager for Bapten. "It requires ... Read full story
 12/1/1999
Lasix Permitted In Collecting Urine Samples   *
The American Horse Shows Association's Drugs and Medications program has begun allowing the use of Lasix (furosemide) to expedite the collection of urine in show horses. Lasix is a safe and effective diuretic is used in small doses, according to John Lengel, DVM, Administrator of AHSA's Drugs and Medications Program. The testing veterinarian needs ... Read full story
 7/30/1999
USET Initiates USOC Drug Education Program For Pan American Games   *
The United States Equestrian Team (USET) has initiated a Drug Education Program for its riders long-listed for the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. The USET program includes four educational seminars conducted by U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Drugs & Medication Officials and attended by USET Physician M. Craig Ferrell, M.D. of Franklin, ... Read full story
 4/24/1999
Allergic Reactions in Horses  *
Allergic reactions are complicated and somewhat unpredictable events that are triggered by various environmental factors or other physiologic abnormalities. There are several special cells and blood proteins that mediate most allergic reactions. Of the immune proteins (IgG, IgE, and so on), Immunoglobulin "E" is the one most often involved with allergic ... Read full story
 9/1/1998
Rx: Responsible Drug Use  *
Tranquilizers can calm a nervous, first-time dam and allow her to accept her foal; anti-inflammatory drugs may allow a mildly arthritic horse to continue safely in a handicapped riding program; antibiotics can be life--and career--saving to a racehorse with pneumonia. At some time, medications could be an important part of the equation in your horse's ... Read full story
 8/1/1998
Phenylbutazone Use In Europe   *
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has been assured by the British Government that phenylbutazone can continue to be used. France has followed BEVA's lead and has agreed that sport horses can be classified as non-food producing animals which enables them to continue to use phenylbutazone in these horses in France. BEVA, along with the ... Read full story
 2/13/1998
Florida Alters Drug-Use Rules   *
Debbie Miller, director of the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, announced new guideline for penalties covering Class IV and V drug violations. Class IV and V drugs are therapeutic medications, not performance enhancing drugs. Under previous rules and regulations owners found to be using the drugs would have to forfeit purse money and trainers ... Read full story
 2/13/1998
Joint Therapy  *
The public demand for a precise diagnosis and treatment of lameness problems has increased many fold over the past decade. Horse owners, through exposure to state-of-the-art medicine and a multitude of publications, such as The Horse, are increasingly aware of what is possible. Prior to the mid-1970s, placing a needle in a given horse's joint was, ... Read full story
 10/1/1997
Holistic Medicine  *
Change is taking place in the world of equine veterinary medicine as more and more horse owners and practitioners look to alternative or complementary forms of treatment or prevention for a wide variety of maladies. It wasn't very long ago that these therapeutic options were looked upon by veterinarians as quackery. That has changed in the past several ... Read full story
 10/1/1997
Homeopathy  *
Homeopathy is the modality most difficult to describe in this series on alternative forms of medical treatment for horses. For one thing, even its most ardent advocates and learned practitioners don't know exactly how it works. For another, there has been little research involving homeopathic treatment of horses. While homeopathy has been used since ... Read full story
 9/1/1997
Drugs And Pain  *
When you feel stiff and sore, you can grit your teeth and work through the pain; or, you can depend on medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, or even a stronger analgesic. Like you, the horse suffers from joint inflammation and painful movement. Your horse relies on you to make the decision that determines his comfort level. Either he bears the pain, ... Read full story
 3/1/1997
Pain In Horses  *
Pain is defined as "a feeling of distress, suffering, or agony caused by stimulation of specialized nerve endings." The scientific term for the perception of pain is "nociception," with noci the Latin for "harm or injury." Pain and its control are one of the largest topics in medicine. A quick literature search on only one database going back to ... Read full story
 1/1/1997
Beta-Aminoproprionitrile Fumarate (BAPN)  *
In April of 1993, Ohio's 1992 Champion Sprinter Onion Roll suffered a catastrophic bowed tendon. The injury was so painful for the horse that Onion Roll's owners, Ed and Wendy Cash, were brokenheartedly considering euthanasia. About that time, the Cashes heard about an experimental drug and rehabilitation program being tested on horses suffering from ... Read full story
 9/1/1996
Will Medicine Keep Your Horse Sound?  *
Degenerative joint disease is a common malady of the horse. It most frequently strikes the hocks, front fetlocks, and front navicular bones, and its consequences can be severe. In fact, degeneration of the joints is the most common reason for retirement of a horse from athletic use. What mechanisms underlie this joint erosion, and what can be done ... Read full story
 4/1/1996




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