Weezel

Equinesport Veterinary Manual

Modern day equestrianism cannot be compared with the original use of the horse. In the equine sports, standards are high, sponsors and other economical interests are involved. However, in competition, the wellbeing of the horse should not be compromised. In training as well as in the recovery period after competition or an injury, veterinary care and the use of therapeutic substances cannot be ruled out. Detection of insignificant levels of necessary therapeutic substances should not have to constitute a violation of medication rules. The number of rules and regulations and the dynamic nature of the science of pharmacology can make it difficult for a veterinarian to find the information needed, especially considering the time pressure he or she may experience. Therefore, the Equinesports Veterinary Manual gives an up-to-date comprehensive overview of more than 150 therapeutic substances for competition horses, related to the most international equestrian regulations, as well as the results of scientific research. This constitutes primarily equine pharmacokinetics, including specific data on the breed, gender, age, etc. of the horses used in the research. Using the Minimum Elimination Time (MET) to indicate therapeutic substances in the horse post-treatment, we hope to enable the treating veterinarian to reliably estimate the duration of time a horse should not be entered in competition; i.e. the EWT(s) (Estimated Withdrawal Time for sports). The EWT(s) is based on the MET plus a safety margin, to allow for differences between horses such as breed, age, gender, size, metabolism, degree of fitness, nutraceuticals, other medications, recent illness etc. This manual provides guidelines that should enable veterinarians to give a scientifically based estimation of the EWT(s).