Equine Medication Update - Thursday, 13th June 2019
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) today announced updated guidance in relation to equine medicines intended to assist trainers and their veterinary surgeons.
New Detection Times:
Dantrolene: Detection Time reduced from 96 to 48 hours.
Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to prevent/treat ‘tying up’ in horses. It used under the cascade, ie. it is not licensed for use in horses in Ireland but can be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon when in their judgement it is indicated. Recent discussions between the European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee (EHSLC) and the Asian Racing Federation aimed at harmonising advice have resulted in a decrease in Detection Time from 96 to 48 hours with underlying International Screening Limits in plasma and urine.
Misoprostil: New Detection Time of 48 hours.
Misoprostil is a medication used to prevent/treat gastric ulcer disease in horses. It used under the cascade, ie. it is not licensed for use in horses in Ireland but can be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon when in their judgement it is indicated. Recent work carried out within the EHSLC has led to the agreement of a Detection Time of 48 hours with underlying European Screening Limits in plasma and urine.
Xylazine: New Detection Time of 72 hours.
Xylazine is a medication used to sedate horses used under licence in Ireland. Recent work carried out within the EHSLC has led to the agreement of a Detection Time of 72 hours with underlying European Screening Limits in plasma and urine.
It should be noted that a Detection Time is not the same as a Withdrawal Time. Extra time needs to be added to a Detection Time on the advice of your veterinary surgeon to give a Withdrawal Time. See www.ehslc.com for further details of the doses and products to which these Detection Times apply.