The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) provides the following recommendations to assist horsepersons and minimize the risk of a positive test in their racehorse(s):
Human prescription medications and/or non-prescription supplements:
- Do not let racehorses, their feed, supplements or equipment come into contact with human medications or supplements.
- Prohibit people from urinating or spitting in stalls.
- Ensure that people wash their hands immediately after touching or taking medications, and before touching a racehorse or associated equipment.
Bedding
- Ensure that tulip poplar and related wood is not used when bedding horses on shavings. This may result in a positive test for glaucine. The use of 100% pine shavings is a safer choice.
Compounded medications, supplements and natural products:
- Do not apply the CPMA’s Elimination Guidelines to compounded medications because their elimination from the horse may be different from that of an approved veterinary medication.
- Only feed horses supplements prescribed by a veterinarian.
Cobalt salts & vitamin B12:
- Discontinue all supplements within 48 hours of the race. This will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of a positive test.
- Keep in mind that longer withdrawal times may be required for horses that have received repeated doses of cobalt-containing supplements and vitamin B12 because cobalt levels can build up, resulting in elevated levels for prolonged periods of time.
- Cease any use of multiple supplements containing cobalt or vitamin B12.
Cannabis:
- Do not use supplements or products derived from cannabis (e.g., CBD supplements, hemp oil) on horses.
- Do not use or allow cannabis products around horses.
- Wash hands immediately after touching or taking cannabis products and before touching a racehorse or associated equipment.
Capsaicin:
- Ensure that oral supplements or other oral products containing capsaicin are not administered or fed within 48 hours of a race.
- Do not feed cayenne pepper or other spices to a horse.
- Discontinue applications of topical products (e.g. ointments, liniments) that contain capsaicin within 48 hours of a race.
The CPMA strongly recommends that you:
- Consult your veterinarian on any decision to administer supplements or medications to a horse.
- Subscribe to receive Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency email notifications: Email Subscription Service.
If you have any questions, please contact the CPMA at 1-800-268-8835 or aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@canada.ca.
More Industry News