PrintSeveral changes happened to national and international medication rules last fall. You probably heard the controversy and discussion surrounding one or both, which isn’t surprising if you read this magazine or actively compete.
One of the issues is the U.S. Equestrian Federation single non-steroidal anti-inflammatory rule. This is a discussion about reducing two allowed NSAIDs (such as bute, Banamine, etc.) given to our horses down to one.
It was discussed in and out of committees and within disciplines and affiliates for as long as two years prior to the vote. This discussion, in the end, focused on the fact that this is a horse welfare issue and that having more than one NSAID in the horse may be additive and can cover up significant lameness and may have detrimental side effects in intestines and joints.
The direction then changed to the timeline of enacting the new rule. Some leaders in some disciplines became concerned that the proposed implementation date of Dec. 1, 2010, was too soon, and their members couldn’t comply. So, a compromise was reached.
Beginning April 1, 2010, USEF members need to file a form prior to competing declaring the use of two NSAIDs. The implementation date for reducing NSAID usage to one at a time was pushed back until Dec. 1, 2011.
So what does this all mean to you?
If you choose to use two NSAIDs between April 1, 2010 and Dec. 1, 2011, you must go to the show office and pick up, fill out and turn in an NSAID Disclosure Form.
This form will list the two NSAIDs you’re using, the dose, the time and the diagnosis of the problem as well as the veterinarian prescribing them. Normal prohibitions such as the use of bute and Banamine together will still apply.
The form is similar to the USEF Medication Report Form, but it’s not the same. Be sure to double check and use the appropriate form. That’s all you have to do!
Now, what happens if you don’t fill out the form? The first time you don’t file an NSAID Disclosure Form and your horse is tested and found to have two NSAIDs, you’ll receive a warning letter. The second time you do it you might get a penalty.
A more important question is whether you should give your horse two NSAIDs while you can during this transition time between April 2010 to Dec. 2011. To quote Dr. Shauna Spurlock in the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Resource Guide, “The potential for the NSAIDs to affect normal physiology in the joints, intestinal and bone healing, in addition to the increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney damage, has led to the rules that limit this practice and limit the risk for the horse. Even when using two NSAIDs in accordance with the existing rules, it should be done understanding the real risk as well as the potential benefits.”
So, just because you can give two NSAIDs for an additional short period of time, it doesn’t mean you should! You may be masking soft tissue injuries or joint problems that would be better discovered and treated than ignored. I think a larger number of the trainers, owners and amateurs understand this fact.
