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Veterinary: Update on Testing Issues

Media updates
04 August 2004 Author: webmaster
Warning against use of sedatives 
 
Recently our Medication Control Programme has reported several cases of tests, in which low concentrations of sedatives were found in competition horses. In this respect the substances Acepromazine, Detomidine, Reserpine, Fluphenazine and Guanabenz have been detected.

These substances are being used, in low dosages, to improve the manageability of "hot" horses and are therefore regarded as serious attempts to influence the performance of the horse by medication. Several of the above substances have no regular place in the horse and are considered as serious infringements of the FEI medication rules. In addition, a substance such as Acepromazine can have a long detection time.

Apparently many riders, trainers or veterinarians were under the impression that horses treated in this way would not test positive. This is not the case. More than seven cases have already entered the legal system of the FEI in a few months, which indicates that the use of these substances is widespread.

Riders, trainers and veterinarians should be alerted to the fact that these cases are seen as serious attempts to influence the performance level of the horse.

 

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