As horse owners and competitors, we want to give our equine athletes every opportunity to feel and perform their best. Keeping up to date with the latest news in horse health and medicine is an important part of that, and it’s why Medivet Equine is bringing you the latest in horse health news each week.
Following the medical model of “do no harm”, MediVet Equine develops scientifically based therapeutics enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability, thus achieving its full performance potential. MediVet Equine provides effective, all natural, drug free products and lab services designed to optimize the overall health of performance horses. They specialize in regenerative treatments that help the body heal itself to get stronger naturally. Boyd Martin has several of his top competitive mounts on MediVet ACS, and has had terrific results!
This Week in Horse Health News …
The breaking horse health news this week is, of course, that the USEF has banned the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in competition horses. MPA, commonly known as Depo, is a human contraceptive which is also used in horses to control hormones in mares or exert calming effects on geldings though it is not FDA-approved for use in equines. The ban comes after reports of equine fatalities and anaphylaxis. It is effective December 1, 2019 and carries a penalty range starting at a 3-6 month suspension and a fine of $3,000-$6,000 for a first offense. [US Equestrian]
Treating respiratory allergies and diseases in competition horses is tricky, but doable. Conditions like allergies and asthma in average pleasure horses is relatively easy to treat, but due to a number of factors, the challenges in managing these conditions generally increase as horses move up the levels. Belgian veterinarian and researcher Dr. Fe ter Woort recently reviewed the challenges that owners and veterinarians face in managing these conditions in competition horses, what can be done to keep them healthy, and competition-friendly treatments. [The Horse]
An investigation into the death of Breeder’s Cup Classic runner Mongolian Groom is underway. Mongolian Groom suffered a catastrophic injury in the homestretch and was ultimately euthanized. Videos taken during workouts a week prior to the race which showed the colt visibly lame were shared heavily on social media, particularly after the race, and have called into question the pre-race veterinary protocols at Santa Anita. Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital was contracted by the Breeders’ Cup board to review the information relating to Mongolian Groom’s death, including his pre-race condition and the track’s pre-race protocols. [Paulick Report]
