If your horse has recently had intra-articular injections or shockwave therapy, there are new withdrawal period guidelines imposed by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Shockwave Therapy Requires 3 Day Withdrawal (with exception)
The USEF Veterinary committee recently recommended in the 2015 Drug and Medication Guidelines that “no horse should be exposed to shockwave and then compete within 3 days [of therapy],” with one exception. The exception is if the shockwave treatment was applied to the back or dorsal pelvic regions of the horse. “Therapy may be administered (to the back and dorsal pelvis) by a licensed veterinarian within the 3 day prohibited period, but no closer than 12 hours prior to competing.”
Intra-articular Injections Require 4 Day Withdrawal
In addition to new shockwave therapy withdrawal guidelines, the USEF also determined new rules for inter-articular injections. Their press release states that, “for intra-articular injections, a four day withdrawal time from competition has been instituted.”
USEF Drug and Medication Guidelines
These USEF’s guidelines are developed to protect the health and welfare of the equine athlete. Additionally, the USEF hopes the guidelines serve to maintain a level playing field for all competitors and promote excellence in horsemanship.
The 2015 USEF Drug and Medication Guidelines have been published and are available online for download