New Year, New USEF Drugs and Medications Rules

A Review of the USEF Testing Program and Changes for 2014

Planning on competing your horse in a USEF show this year? It is important for both competitors and trainers to understand the rules regulating the use of medications under the USEF. These rules can change yearly and the USEF expects everyone involved in their competitions to be familiar with the regulations. Entering a USEF show signifies that you agree to abide by the rules in order to provide a level playing field for all competitors and maintain the safety of both the horses and humans involved. The official 2014 USEF Drugs and Medications Program rules can be found here. I want to touch on the most important changes to the rules and the most commonly questioned parts of the existing rules in this blog entry. The guidelines can sometimes be confusing or overwhelming. If you have any questions, the staff at the USEF office is happy to help over the phone, or you can ask any of the testing veterinarians at shows. I work as both a USEF testing veterinarian and FEI treating veterinarian in my spare time and am always glad to share information related to treating and testing by the rules.

Anaplasmosis: A Tick-Borne Disease on the Rise in Horses

Anaplasmosis, also known as equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis, is a bacterial infection that is spread by deer ticks, the same tick that can spread Lyme’s disease. Infected ticks can harbor either one or both organisms at the same time and infect a horse with Lyme’s and anaplasmosis with one bite. Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum targets a certain type of white blood cells, and signs can be seen up to 3 weeks post-inoculation. I usually see more cases of anaplasmosis starting in the late fall after tick season, and continuing into the spring.

Some Simple Things to Consider During Winter for Better Horse Health.

Winter is finally upon us and with it comes a whole new set of challenges for keeping our horses healthy and happy. I just wanted to touch on a few points that come to mind when dealing with cold weather.