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Optimizing the Care and Management of Your Equine Athlete

Optimizing the Care and Management of Your Equine Athlete

Spring 2014 A publication of the Center for Equine Health • School of Veterinary Medicine • University of California, Davis Optimizing the Care and Management of Your Equine Athlete

When the Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.

ational Sportsmanship Day is March 1, and whether the Nathletes we most admire happen to be human or equine, they have uplifted and inspired us through the of competition. were part of the Ancient Olympic Games in 680 BC and have been competing with and alongside their human counterparts through the ages. The equestrian disciplines of jumping, dressage and eventing have been part of the Olympics for more than 100 years!

The Olympic Games are based on a philosophy that advocates using sport not just as a physical activity but also as a means of educating people. According to this philosophy, the good

sportsmanship, sense of fair play and every competitive level. They provide respect for fellow athletes developed a body of rules, an effective means of INSIDE THIS ISSUE… through participation in sports teaches enforcing them, and a judicial process Optimizing the Care & Manage- men and women of all races, religions that is fair to competitors while providing ment of Your Equine Athlete...... 1 and nationalities to work peacefully for optimum integrity within the sport. Director’s Message ...... 2 together in competition toward common Equine Anti-Doping Regulations...... 3 goals. The FEI and the USEF work to ensure that Maximizing Health...... 4 the welfare of the is paramount in The FEI (Fédération Equestre Intern- all equestrian sports and that athletes— ...... 4 ationale) functions in a similar role as human and equine—compete on a level Conditioning and Fitness...... 9 the International Olympic Committee, playing field. Anti-doping regulations Environmental Factors ...... 12 serving as the international governing exist to prevent any attempt to alter Podiatry...... 14 body for equestrian sports. The USEF a horse’s performance or to mask an Complementary Medicine/ (United States Equestrian Federation) underlying health . When Early Screening for Injury...... 15 is our national regulatory organization, —Continued on page 3 Kenneth L. Maddy Equine regulating competitions and promoting Analytical Chemistry the safety and welfare of horses and Laboratory...... 18 riders while encouraging excellence at For the Love of Sundance...... 19 2 - The Horse Report

ability but lack the mental maturity field and to protect the welfare DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE and solid behavior to complete the of the horse. The technology to task. They often require years of detect drugs in the horse’s system graduated training in capable hands is advancing as new drugs are before they make a suitable mount developed. The Kenneth L. Maddy for a less experienced rider. In most Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC cases, by the time the horse is capable Davis uses state-of-the-art technology of such work in the English equestrian and methodologies to study competitions, they are past their medications within a horse’s system physical prime and dealing with some and investigates new classes of drugs low-grade degenerative joint disease with the potential for abuse. or other symptom of all their years of practice. For this reason, medications So in this new, strong and enforceable do have their place in equestrian era of anti-doping sentiment, we must competition. It is important that remember that we have the tools to riders and alike have the support our horses in such a way that Dr. Claudia Sonder option to provide comfort to those minimizes the need for behavior- and horses that love their work but pay performance-enhancing medications. We need to strive for what is optimal, a physical price. The same is true for There are steps we can take all along not what is maximal. –Temple Grandin human athletes. After heavy work, the way to preserve athleticism and it is not unusual for us to take an prolong the bond we share with was one of those little girls who anti-inflammatory, and when used our horses. This Horse Report will declared at a young age that I judiciously this serves us well. discuss some of the rule changes that Iwould ride in the Olympics. I believed that if I trained hard enough and rode well enough, that the rest The health of our sport and industry will rest on the decisions would fall into place. The truth is, we make now to strive for what is optimal and to create an getting a horse and rider team to the environment of compassion and integrity for those who will pinnacle of their sport is a daunting task. Many stars must align early in one day take our place. the game. First and foremost, the horse has to have the body type, The problem occurs when have gone into effect this past year conformation and competitive nature medications are used to enhance within the FEI, USEF and the State of to set it up for success in a particular performance or alter behavior. California and describe our current sport. Its diet, temperament, Society is no longer willing to put up understanding of optimizing wellness environment, training history, and with medicated athletes, human or for the athlete. The health of our sport comfort level all play a role in its desire equine. A current sentiment is that and industry will rest on the decisions and ability to work as a team with its concern for animal welfare is at an we make now to strive for what is rider. For most of us, the Olympic all-time high, while general familiarity optimal and to create an environment dream fades, but the joy of competing with horses seems to be at an all- of compassion and integrity for those successfully with a horse that we have time low. Recent, highly publicized who will one day take our place. ❄ brought along remains. reports of drug abuse in the racehorse and English hunter worlds has called Horses and riders require a certain the equestrian regulatory bodies to amount of mental maturity to the plate, and the result has been navigate a large course or complete the development of some new rules a complex test that requires focus affecting performance horses in and technical mastery. Younger competition. These new rules are horses often have the raw physical important to maintain a level playing www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 3

Equine Athletes of violations for substances including a horse/ collapse or death is — From page 1 cocaine, antipsychotics, tranquilizers mandated. and pain medication. Show-horse competing under FEI rules, riders in trainers have been implicated in FEI Rule Changes Effective January 1, equestrian events are subject as well abusing some of the same drugs 2014 (www.fei.org): to drug testing. Individual states that have caused widely publicized also have their own rules governing problems in racing. In response to Three substances have been added to equine medications. Athletes these events, the USEF and FEI have the controlled medication list for: accept these rules as a condition of recently instituted changes to their participation in athletic competitions. medication and equine welfare- ➤ Metformin—a potent but related rules; these are highlighted legitimate oral anti-diabetic drug with In this Horse Report, we call your below. For the complete rules and a potential welfare risk. attention to some changes to details concerning these changes, drug and medication rules made please visit their respective websites. ➤ Levothyroxine—an exogenous by the USEF, FEI and the California thyroid replacement that Medication Monitoring Program. USEF Rule Changes Effective could enhance performance. Our primary focus, however, in December 1, 2013 keeping with the Center for Equine (www.usef.org/rulebook): ➤ Adrenocorticotrophic hormone Health’s mission, is to highlight a (ACTH)—this is currently classified as a number of evidence-based areas in ➤ No horses or may banned substance and will be moved which equine athletes can best be be injected within 12 hours of to the controlled medication section supported, possibly pre-empting or competing. of the 2014 list due to its therapeutic minimizing the need for medications value in equine medicine. and supplements. While these ➤ There are only three exceptions management techniques are not to this rule: therapeutic fluids, Three previously unlisted substances remedies for all conditions or all antibiotics, and dexamethasone for will be added to the banned horses, they have proven effective the treatment of hives. substances section of the 2014 list: in maintaining physical condition, alleviating pain or discomfort, and ➤ All excepted substances must ➤ Injectable ammonium chloride— preventing injury. be administered by a licensed an injectable -blocking solution and cannot be that can be used to mask lameness. Equine Anti-Doping Regulations administered to a horse or pony within 6 hours of competing. ➤ Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)—a There has been much publicity pro-drug (biologically inactive) that is in the last few years about the USEF New Rule, GR 843 Mandatory converted into GHB in the body. prevalence of drugs in horseracing Reporting & Cooperation of Horse/ and too many stories about fatal Pony Collapse, Effective August 1, ➤ Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)—a breakdowns involving the abuse of 2013 naturally occurring substance that medications. In December 2012, the can elevate growth hormone levels world got a taste of the ➤ A collapse is defined as “a fall to the and is associated with performance same medicine when the New York ground with no apparent cause.” enhancement. Times ran a story about a hunter pony that collapsed and died after having ➤ The trainer, owner, or rider of a California Equine Medication Rule received 15 separate drug treatments horse must report a collapse no later Changes Effective January 1, 2014 in the three days preceding his than 3 hours after it has occurred. (www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_ death. The substances included anti- health/EMMP) inflammatories, corticosteroids and ➤ Any horse or pony that collapses muscle relaxants, according to his is subject to drug and medication In California, the equine industry medication chart. testing and inspection by a USEF has had legislation in place since appointed veterinarian. 1971 to prevent misuse of drugs and Since 2010, random drug tests at medications in equines in public equestrian events, including the ➤ Cooperation with the federation Olympic trials, have uncovered dozens as to an investigation concerning — Continued on page 4

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Equine Athletes necessary for manufacturers to lameness, and early screening for — From page 3 produce commercial herbal products; injury can help prevent further therefore, herbal products are not damage and prolonged healing shows and sales. The resulting law scientifically tested or regulated as times. Daily palpation of limbs for is known as the California Equine modern medications. swelling or heat is a crucial part of any Medication Rule and is enforced by successful program. Acupuncture the California Department of Food When administering a product with and chiropractic have been effective and Agriculture through its Equine an herbal or natural label to an equine, as treatments for conditions ranging Medication Monitoring Program. be aware that specific ingredients and from musculoskeletal problems Exhibitors and consignors must quantitative analyses are not known to gastrointestinal disorders, and comply with both the California for these products. Contrary to a acupuncture has been shown to be Equine Medication Rule and any manufacturer ‘s claim, detection of a an effective early screening tool for event-sponsoring organization’s (e.g., prohibited substance (positive drug lameness. Finally, a major contributor USEF) drug and medication rule for test) may occur after use of herbal to keeping athletic horses sound is the event, with the more stringent products such as valerian root, kava, attention to the foot, which supports medication rule being applied. chamomile, capsaicin, and devils claw, all other anatomical structures at risk to name a few. A complete list of herbal of injury. The following sections will Here is a very brief summary of offenders is available on both the USEF address each of these areas. changes to the California Equine and FEI banned substances list. Medication Rule: Nutrition

➤ Maximizing Health Modification to the definition Dr. Clair Thunes, PhD, teaches of an event to clarify exempted Health is a state of complete physical, equine nutrition and equine events not originally intended to be mental and social well-being — not exercise physiology in the UC Davis covered under the Equine Medication merely the absence of disease. It Department of Animal Science and Monitoring Program. reflects an environment of optimal has competed in a number of sport conditions for normal function, one disciplines including eventing, show ➤ Limit of one nonsteroidal anti- that encourages natural healing jumping and dressage. She is also an inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the and minimizes the need for invasive independent equine nutritionist and system. treatment. Described below are some owner of Summit Equine Nutrition areas of health that will contribute to LLC. She offers the following ➤ Elimination of drug declaration maintaining your athletic horse in its perspective on optimizing nutrition form for NSAIDs. best condition. for equine athletes. ➤ Additions to the restricted As with human athletes, physical Today’s performance horses lead lives permissible medications list. activity, athletic performance and that are very different from their wild recovery from exercise in horses are ancestors. Yet physiologically, they ➤ An allowance for emergency use of enhanced by nutrition that meets the are not so different: modern horses flunixin (Banamine®). body’s particular needs along with an still have a digestive tract where appropriate conditioning program more than 50% of its volume is given ➤ No administration of injectable that supports injury prevention. Since over to the of substances within 12 hours of horses work on surfaces that may and that still secretes acid and competition. actually increase the risk for injury to 24 hours a day because it expects tendons and ligaments, we will share almost continuous rather than For the complete rules and details some recent research that has been infrequent meals. about the changes, please visit conducted in this area. Research for the California Equine Medication sport horses is still in the early stages, Horses evolved eating grasses that for Monitoring Program website. but enough initial work has been done the most part were high in complex

to provide some interesting results. , requiring fermentation In addition to specific medications, by hindgut bacteria. The relationship herbal and natural products have Some injuries occur long before between these bacteria and the horse the potential to contain prohibited there are any outward signs of substances. FDA approval is not — Continued on page 6 www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 5

Equestrianism is the only sport that involves two athletes, equine and human, and it is the relationship of trust and respect that is built up between this partnership that makes the sport so exceptional.

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Equine Athletes — From page 5 is mutually beneficial because the horse absorbs the byproducts of the fermentation processes as an energy source. Therefore, maintaining the health of the microbial population is a vital component of nutritional management. The bacterial population requires that adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates be provided in the diet and that the diet stay relatively static with only gradual changes.

An appropriate feeding program for any horse takes into consideration the horse’s digestive anatomy and physiology. Ideally, the primary diet should have a foundation in , regardless of whether the horse is a retired ornament or an Olympic-level show jumper. Performance horses may need more calories in their diet than can be met from forage alone; as a result, the temptation is to feed increasingly high levels of calorie-dense feeds. The focus of the ration can easily become these supplemental energy sources, with less and less attention paid to the ration’s forage components.

Because many supplemental feeds fed to performance horses are fortified, this can create a perception that the forage is nothing but filler. However, the majority of horses should be consuming a minimum of 1.5% of will be . Undesirable hay bellies, honoring the digestive physiology their body weight per day as forage, which are caused by consuming and reducing the risk of conditions or approximately 18 pounds a day for large amounts of indigestible, poor- such as equine gastric ulcer syndrome a horse weighing 1,250 pounds. Thus, quality forage, are best fixed not by and stable vices like wood chewing. in most cases the forage portion of reducing the amount of hay fed but the diet provides the majority of the rather by switching to a hay that is The purpose of concentrate feeds and calories, , and such as more easily digestible. Conversely, supplements should be to provide and phosphorous, making it feeding a lower-quality hay to horses what is missing in the forage portion far more than just filler. that typically need calorie intakes of the ration. For nearly all forages, restricted will allow a greater amount this means a source of trace minerals, Careful selection of forages can of hay to be consumed without the certain and fatty acids. For mitigate a number of problems risk of weight gain. With careful hay many horses competing at the entry observed in equine athletes. For selection, the amount of hay fed can levels of their disciplines, feeding most performance horses, this forage be maximized for each horse, thus a -dense low-calorie ration www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 7 balancer with a small serving size in demands made on metabolism and Performance horse managers combination with hay will provide physiology, the more likely nutrient are constantly on the lookout for nearly all of the necessary additional deficiencies will negatively impact inflammation, especially of the joints, . both health and performance. but they also have to battle other inflammatory conditions such as hives For horses unable to maintain sources have become a common and even . As all of these condition on forage and a ration ingredient in many performance horse conditions can keep a horse out of balancer, a more calorie-dense feed feeds. Because are very energy- the competitive arena, there is a lot should be added to the ration. There dense (2.25 times more calories than of interest in nutritional aids in the is a tendency within certain disciplines an equal weight of ), form of nutrients with potentially for horses to be maintained with too they are an effective way of adding anti-inflammatory properties such as much condition, which results from large amounts of supplemental various joint supplements, omega-3 overfeeding. There are two major energy to a ration. Fat also does not fatty acids and, most recently, consequences of these practices: raise and insulin the resveratrol and turmeric. However, (1) extra condition adds unnecessary way high- intakes do, which potentially anti-inflammatory wear and tear on joints and soft is an important consideration when supplements may violate anti-doping tissues and can result in soundness dealing with horses that are sensitive regulations. issues, and (2) extra condition may to nonstructural carbohydrates, such as produce negative behaviors. those with PSSM or insulin resistance. Unlike plants, horses and other mammals are unable to create Horses that are overfed calories Fat is susceptible to rancidity, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can become exuberant, and when when a high-fat diet is fed to a so these nutrients must be provided this is not given an appropriate horse, the horse is at a higher risk of in the diet. Good-quality fresh outlet such as turnout, undesirable developing cellular oxidative damage. pasture provides approximately three behaviors under can result. If E, a natural antioxidant, is times more omega-3 than This is particularly troublesome in supplemented in the ration (usually omega-6. The amount of omega the show arena and can lead to the at 1,000-2,000 IU per 1/2 cup of oil), it fatty acids is lower in hay as they pursuit of calming supplements and can help offset that oxidative damage. are not heat stable. provides a other measures to create a more Interestingly, high-fat feeds that have good source of omega-3 fatty acids tractable mount. In most cases, the been stored in hot environments, or at approximately four times more simplest and most appropriate that are not fresh, could have higher omega-3 than omega-6. It may be solution would be to feed a more levels of rancidity, so ensuring that the fed whole or is available for purchase appropriate diet. feeds purchased are fresh is important. in ground, stabilized forms. Unless stabilized, the fatty acids will oxidize For those struggling to keep weight There is also much anecdotal evidence once ground. and oils tend to off their easy keepers or who feed that horses fed fat instead of grains provide larger amounts of omega-6 commercial feeds in quantities less are less excitable. Research has shown than omega-3. Corn oil, for example, than the manufacturer-recommended that there may in fact be merit to provides approximately 45 times more amounts, a suboptimal diet can these claims, with dressage horses fed omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acid. result. Horses may appear to be high-fat diets being less easy to startle in good condition when, in fact, and having lower resting cortisol (a The relative amount of omega-3 they are suffering from a level of measure of stress) than when fed a to omega-6 in the diet may malnourishment. For example, diet higher in starch. Other research have important implications for manganese is needed for the creation has confirmed that fed high fat inflammation within the body. The of chondroitin sulfate and and fiber diets cantered less often and ratio in good quality grass pasture for the formation of collagen, the for less time than those fed calories is about 3:1 omega-3 to omega-6. foundation of tendons and ligaments. from starch and . More is not High- diets will throw the ratio Without careful attention to the diet, always better though. When fed in the other way, and this has the these deficiencies can potentially go excess, fat has the potential to disrupt potential to be pro-inflammatory unnoticed. The long-term impact and absorption versus anti-inflammatory. Research of suboptimal diets is not well of some minerals and vitamins. As conducted at UC Davis revealed a 60% documented in horses. However, the always, the key is in finding the correct harder a horse works and the greater balance. — Continued on page 8

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Equine Athletes A diet of good-quality fresh pasture horses. Consult with your veterinarian — From page 7 provides significantly more vitamin regarding individual restrictions. E than the above recommendation. drop in biomarkers of inflammation However, due to oxidation processes, Whenever possible hay should be after supplementation with a product naturally occurring vitamin E in tested, especially when several containing an omega-3 to omega-6 pasture declines dramatically during months of hay are purchased at ratio of 4:1. Competition exists curing for hay as well as in other feed one time. Compared with the cost between omega-6 and -3 fatty acids ingredients that undergo processing. of hay, testing is a very modest at the cellular level; therefore, the Losses in hay can be so great that investment starting at around $30 for dietary fatty acid composition has stored forage should not be relied information about the calorie, protein, the potential to impact a number upon as an adequate source for carbohydrate fractions, macro and of important cellular level functions performance horses. While better- trace content. Make sure that relevant to performance. quality commercial feeds provide a the lab chosen to run the analysis source of vitamin E, in some instances provides equine-based information. Approximately 15 to 25 g per day separate vitamin E supplementation When an analysis is not viable, a of supplemental omega-3 fatty may be justified, especially for horses thorough visual assessment can give acid is often recommended for a in intense work and those showing some nutritional information. Hay 1,100-pound horse; a cup of ground signs of muscle soreness or prone to with a greater proportion of leaves flax provides about 22.5 g. The recurrent tying-up. relative to stems is higher quality and National Research Council (NRC) will have a higher calorie and protein requirement for omega-6 is 0.5% of For maximum absorption, vitamin content versus a stemmy hay with dry matter intake, or about 5.5 g per E should be supplemented in the lower leaf content. day for a 1,200-pound horse eating natural α-tocopherol form. - 2% of body weight in feed. soluble versions exist, which are is a higher-calorie hay than the most absorbable and are grass hay, making it less desirable for Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant recommended for horses with easy keepers but a good choice for that protects sensitive cell membrane neuromuscular conditions. harder keepers. It can be included components from oxidative damage. up to about 30% of the total forage. Currently, the NRC recommends a Vitamin E appears to play a role in a Above that amount, protein and minimum daily intake of 1.6 to 2 IU/ number of neuromuscular diseases calcium intakes become excessive. kg body weight per day for working including equine degenerative horses, or about 1,000 IU per day for a myeloencephalophathy (EDM), equine Once the hay is selected, nutrients 1,200-pound horse. There is research motor neuron disease (EMND), as well not present in hay in adequate showing that levels above this may as muscle atrophy conditions. Further amounts need to be provided by improve performance in some horses, work is needed to better understand its some additional means. If the horse especially those doing rigorous speed role in these conditions. is able to maintain condition solely or endurance work or suffering from on hay, then a broad-spectrum neuromuscular disorders. Horses who So where does all of the above supplement providing approximately fail to develop an adequate topline information leave us as far as making 50 mg of copper and 200 mg of despite normal development and sound nutritional decisions for our (this is half of the NRC requirement soundness may also benefit from horses? A good initial rule of thumb is for a 1,100-pound horse at rest) or a additional vitamin E supplementation. to always remember how the horse’s ration-balancing feed (look for feeds digestive anatomy and physiology work with a 1- to 2-pound serving size per Common over-the-counter supple- and to design a feeding program that 1,000 pounds of body weight) should ments will often contain . honors this. This means starting with to be added to provide necessary The margin of safety for selenium forage and selecting the right forage trace minerals. The benefit of the is far below that of vitamin E, so for the individual horse. All hay must ration-balancing feed is that it will also it is important that vitamin E is be clean and free of weeds, and provide a source of quality protein supplemented alone unless a dust. Select the hay that allows you that may be lacking in some grass selenium deficiency is detected. to feed the greatest amount possible hays. For some very easy keepers, Consult with your veterinarian before while still maintaining a desirable body even the limited calories provided by initiating a combination supplement. condition. Keep in mind that access to a ration balancer may be too many, fresh green pasture is not ideal for all making a supplement a better option. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 9

For horses needing additional calories with the expertise to fine-tune their is available for personal consultations. to maintain condition, a performance diet for maximum performance For more information, please visit or senior feed will be a better ability. This is where working with an www.summit-equine.com. option. It is very important to pay independent equine nutritionist can attention to the feeding directions really make a difference. They can Conditioning and Fitness and select a feed that you can feed create a diet based on the forage and at the recommended amount. This help with correct product selection, Numerous scientific studies is particularly important for senior thus ensuring that your horse is support fitness as a preventative feeds that may be “complete” feeds, getting everything needed while at for musculoskeletal injury. Fitness meaning that they provide all of the the same time honoring digestive is a measure of the horse’s ability necessary forage as well and therefore anatomy and physiology. to deliver to working have very large serving sizes, upwards tissues under extremes of exercise. of 15 pounds per day in some cases. Given the large amount of money Some of this energy is delivered Read the labels to determine the spent on feeds and supplements through aerobic or well-oxygenated serving size for your horse’s needs every month, consulting with an conditions. When that energy is and purchase accordingly. Also look independent equine nutrition consumed, the horse must be able at the label to determine whether professional is a sound investment, to create energy without oxygen, the feed is providing calories from fat with most offering a range of services or under anaerobic conditions. The (% crude fat) or starch. Feeds with a priced from about $100 for an hour- mechanisms are different and truly low percentage of crude fiber tend to long phone consultation, to $200- fit horses are able to perform well have a higher starch content. Look $300 for an in-depth ration analysis. because they can deliver energy to at the ingredient list to see whether their tissues efficiently under both the feed includes beet pulp, soy or A good independent equine circumstances. Fitness is also the almond hulls—desirable sources of nutritionist will be basing their adaptation of bones and soft tissues fermentable fiber—and do not shy recommendations on the available to loads they must carry during away from middlings and science, not the need to sell certain competition. A horse is not truly wheat mill run, which provide the products. There is still much work to fit until these adaptive changes are same calorie content as many grains be done when it comes to research in complete. but with half the starch. sport horse nutrition: Cardiopulmonary and muscular Beyond this, be sure to provide a  Studying the effectiveness of fitness precede tendon, ligament and source of and consider adding potentially anti-inflammatory nutrients bone fitness in early training. Across supplemental sources of omega-3 in horses such as quercitin, resveratrol, disciplines, horses in the first few and vitamin E. Many horses do not and turmeric. weeks of intensive exercise are more consume enough salt from a block likely to be injured than those that to meet their minimum  Quantifying whether mimicking have been in training for 60 days or requirement, which is equivalent natural eating habits in stabled horses more. In order for bones, tendons and to a 2-pound block of salt a month lowers stress. ligaments to adjust to strain and load, for an 1,100-pound horse living in they must be pushed gradually to cool weather and doing no work.  Making a commitment to support endure the level of exercise expected Therefore, it is advisable to add 2 general sport horse nutrition research. in competition. In the past, horses tablespoons (1 ounce) of white salt to were “spared” from heavy work and the daily feed in addition to having Advancing our knowledge in these used lightly until show time. That access to a block. An additional areas will help provide nutritionists thinking has changed as we have may be needed during and veterinarians with the tools learned how the musculoskeletal hard work and/or hot weather. they need to make sound feeding system adapts to work. The trick is recommendations and to improve to achieve fitness without adding to Elite human athletes have come to both the welfare and performance of repetitive-use injury. Once a horse realize that, while they may think they sport horses. has achieved fitness, it takes less work know how to eat properly for their to maintain than what is intuitive chosen sport, there are real benefits to For a summary of nutrition recom- and there is a great need to establish working with a nutrition professional mendations, see page 10. Dr. Thunes — Continued on page 11

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Summary of Nutrition Recommendations

➤ The primary diet should have a foundation in forage, regardless of whether the horse is a retired pasture ornament or an Olympic-level show jumper.

➤ Careful selection of forages can mitigate a number of problems observed in equine athletes.

➤ The purpose of concentrate feeds and supplements should be to provide what is missing in the forage portion of the ration. For nearly all forages, this means a source of trace minerals, certain vitamins and fatty acids.

➤ For horses that cannot maintain condition on forage and a ration balancer, a more calorie-dense feed should be added to the ration.

➤ Horses that are overfed calories can become exuberant, and when this is not given an appropriate outlet such as turnout, undesirable behaviors under saddle can result.

➤ For those struggling to keep weight off their easy keepers or who feed commercial feeds in quantities less than the manufacturer-recommended amounts, a suboptimal diet can result. Horses may appear to be in good condition when, in fact, they are suffering from a level of malnourishment.

➤ Fat sources are an effective way of adding large amounts of supplemental energy to a ration. However, when fed in excess, fat has the potential to disrupt hindgut fermentation and absorption of some minerals. As always, the key is in finding the correct balance. Canola oil has a healthy ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 and should not be fed in excess of 2 cups/day for a 1,000-pound horse. Rice is higher in Omega 6 and should not be fed in excess of 2 pounds/day. Note that any additions to the diet should be made gradually over 7 to 10 days. Exceptions to these quantities can occur under veterinary supervision.

➤ Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 can be found in good-quality fresh pasture and flax. Grains and oils provide larger amounts of omega-6. Approximately 15 to 25 g/day of supplemental omega-3 is often recommended for a 1,100-pound horse; a cup of ground flax provides about 22.5 g. Approximately 5.5 g/day of omega-6 is recomended for a 1,200-pound horse (0.5% of dry matter intake). Exercise caution with herbal anti-inflammatory supplements as they may violate anti-doping regulations.

➤ Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. It can be found in good-quality fresh pasture and quality commercial feeds. Vitamin E should be supplemented in the natural α-tocopheral form, which is water-soluble. A dosage of 4,000 IU/day is recommended for horses with neuromuscular disease.

➤ Whenever possible, hay should be tested especially when several months of hay are purchased at one time. Make sure that the lab chosen provides equine-based information.

➤ Provide a source of salt to ensure that the daily minimum sodium requirement is met.

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Equine Athletes for injury. When horses are fit, they Several parameters can help guide — From page 9 are more likely to endure movements training programs in both human and without their joints exceeding their equine athletes. Heart rate during evidence-based best practices for normal ranges of motion. However, and after work is one of the most fitness training within each equestrian fit horses can injure bones and joints sensitive indicators of fitness. Horses discipline. when they are pushed outside of the differ from human athletes in several normal physiologic range and are less regards when it comes to fitness and Exercise induces mild inflammation, likely to suffer soft-tissue injury. delivery of oxygen to muscles. Being which creates increased blood flow flight animals, they are highly adapted and stimulates musculoskeletal Footing plays a large role in preventing for speed to escape predators. Horses adaptation. This process often lameness and achieving fitness, are able to contract their spleens at happens in the recovery or rest phase and current thinking suggests that the onset of intense exercise and after work, as does the repletion of working the horse on multiple literally double their oxygen delivery glycogen (sugar reserves) within surfaces improves adaptability of to cells via increased red cell volume. muscle. Unfit horses tend to injure the musculoskeletal system. Many Horses have a greater muscle mass soft tissue structures that fatigue horses train on one surface and then per kilogram of body weight and have when workload exceeds the horse’s go to a show with different footing two times the oxygen delivery system capacity to deliver oxygen and sugar and ground surface characteristics, per kilogram of body weight. Lastly, to the vital muscular structures which affect deceleration of the foot the pulmonary function of the horse supporting the limb, or if their bones and dispersion of load. Interestingly, is compromised in the upper gaits and ligaments are not sufficiently the warm-up ring footing is often because respiration is synchronized adapted to carry the added load. For different then the show-ring footing, with stride at the canter and the example, a jumper landing on the far which adds another variable. Imagine gallop. This affects ability to gather side of a fence transmits load to the training for a marathon on the road oxygen and increases the horse’s structures that support the fetlock and then competing in sand. Research reliance on internal mechanisms for joint: the superficial digital flexor is currently underway to identify enhanced delivery. tendon, the deep digital flexor tendon qualities of footing that are ideal for and the suspensory ligament. The the different equestrian disciplines. In humans, a lower resting heart rate amount of fetlock drop that occurs in The shoe-footing interface is also an and respiratory rate are associated the landing determines the amount of important area of future research. strain to those structures and thus risk — Continued on page 12

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Equine Athletes under different gaits may prove useful needs to repair any damage induced — From page 11 to fine-tune conditioning plans. In by exercise. The rest period is vital, with fitness; this is not necessarily this day and age of smart phones and and horses that are worked without the case in horses. As horses become applications, it seems that establishing such breaks will eventually succumb more fit through base cardiovascular such a database would be a reasonable to overtraining. training, they are able to move at undertaking. The outside factors such higher speeds with lower heart rates, as environmental conditions and the Environmental Factors and their heart rate will come back to presence or absence of lameness normal more quickly after exercise. would skew this data, so inclusion Dr. Susan Stover is the director of the This is known as cardiac recovery. This criteria would have to be set. J. D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic index is used in endurance riding and Research Laboratory in the UC Davis eventing to ensure that the horses For horses suffering from injuries School of Veterinary Medicine. She is are fit to proceed and that they that must be rested, auxiliary forms an internationally recognized expert are not overloading their capacity. of exercise such as swimming or in the field of racehorse injuries and Dehydration, elevated temperature, underwater treadmill are very has spent a number of years studying lameness, and excitement are all appealing because they offer the reasons for death and injuries factors that can influence heart rate maintenance of cardiovascular among racehorses in order to develop and should be considered if the fitness, with decreased loading of the prevention strategies. horse‘s heart rate is unusually elevated limbs. These horses will still require during or after work in a relatively fit a ramping up of load on bones, Significant progress has been made in horse. Heart rate variability, which tendons, ligaments and muscle once discovering the causes of catastrophic is the variation of time between healing has occurred but will not need injury in racehorses and we now have heart beats, can be a more sensitive the additional time to re-establish a better understanding of the events means of separating excitement from cardiovascular fitness. leading to bone fracture along with heart rate elevations associated with better techniques to detect stress decompensation and requires the use There is much interest in human and fractures in live horses. Dr. Stover and of continuous electrical monitoring of veterinary fields regarding the use of her team have identified race surface the heart via EKG. biomarkers to screen training. Stall- and exercise factors that place horses side labs to assess excessive bone at increased risk for catastrophic Many riders carry heart rate monitors remodeling or cartilage repair or injury and have provided horseshoe that attach to the tack and provide tendon or ligament strain are not far recommendations to prevent feedback to the rider’s watch. This is a on the horizon. The lactate is suspensory apparatus injury. similar idea as Fitbit, with biofeedback used in laboratory situations to assess being used to modify activity levels fitness and anaerobic metabolism. Performance horses incur a wide with an ideal goal in mind. Although MRI tendon mapping, which is variety of athletic injuries that are methods of training vary dramatically currently being investigated at UC unique to their particular athletic and no one method is correlated with Davis, has shown us that changes start pursuit. Dr. Stover and her research success, a common thought is that to occur in the extracellular matrix team are working hard to discover horses will benefit from initial core of soft tissues before any detectable risk factors, preventive measures, and training, followed by interval training lesion is visible on MRI. If we could effective treatments for these athletes. that is gradually escalated to the full find changes at this level, there would work necessary to be successful in the be far less wastage of horses in the Injuries to structures that support show ring. Base training will often equine industry. the fetlock and digit (suspensory elevate the horse into the 120-150 ligament, superficial and deep digital beats per minute rate. Maximal heart Ideally, a panel test to monitor flexor tendons) are the primary causes rate for a racehorse in full gallop is athletes during the ramping-up of performance limitations in show 240 beats per minute. Racehorses phase of work would be a great jumpers, dressage horses, and eventing are commonly timed at the gallop, tool. Extensive research is currently horses. The likelihood of injury whereas hunters, jumpers and underway to identify targets to be to these structures increases with dressage horses are not. measured. These tools could also be increasing limb loads, as might occur used to develop best practices for the with harder surfaces or higher or more Future research in the area of baseline recovery phase of work, which is the difficult jumps. High limb loads induce heart rates of the different disciplines essential rest period that the body extremes of carpal (knee), fetlock, www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 13 and coffin joint hyperextension and can cause damage to the supporting tendons and ligaments.

While several factors affect limb loads and limb biomechanics, a key factor that can be managed for injury prevention is the arena surface that horses are performing on. There is some evidence to support the association of surface with injury and the role of surface in limb biomechanics. Unfavorable ground conditions (soft or heavy ground) were associated with failure to complete the Grand National event. In a study of hoof landing in elite jumping horses, differences were observed between sand and turf surfaces. Differences were also found in hindlimb fetlock motion and hoof slide of racehorses between a dirt and a synthetic track surface, and forelimb dynamics in horses between turf and synthetic surfaces.

Surface characteristics affect maximum limb loads, loading rates, and hoof accelerations. Forces associated with these loads and accelerations spread up the limb, with higher loads and forces causing A research study with elite dressage horses demonstrated that the arena surface material has greater joint extensions and higher an effect on the amount the fetlock hyperextends during stance. tendon and ligament strains. Superficial digital flexor tendon strains found that fetlock hyperextension was designing new surfaces for injury prevention. Thus, there is a need differed in horses traveling on asphalt, greater on the synthetic surface than to customize surfaces for individual sand and synthetic surfaces. the dirt surface (note the opposite horse occupations. Epidemiological evidence for result to that found in racehorses). In racehorses on flat surfaces indicates addition, the synthetic surface had a Given the high relevance and broad that racetracks and race surfaces higher load rate than the dirt surface interest in arena surfaces and the appear to affect risk for racehorse (note the opposite result to that large financial investment associated injury. Although the results of found in some racehorse surfaces). with ring installation, the equine different studies are somewhat We found that the hoof of dressage community would greatly benefit inconsistent relative to which types horses at an extended trot interacts from footing recommendations of surfaces have the greatest risk with surfaces very differently than based on science, with the long-term for injury, two larger scale studies galloping racehorses. goal of establishing mixtures and found that injury risk in racehorses Not all dirt and synthetic surfaces management ideal for each discipline. was higher for dirt surfaces than for would produce the same result, This work could significantly impact synthetic surfaces. however, because surfaces wastage in the industry and reduce

vary markedly in their physical the need for medications to alleviate In a recent study with elite dressage characteristics. The research pain and inflammation in the horses, fetlock joint and hoof motion study also measured the physical performance horse. were compared between a dirt and a characteristics of the surfaces because synthetic dressage arena surface. We this information is most useful in — Continued on page 14

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Equine Athletes needs to be structurally strong and of dynamic balance and the ability of — From page 13 balanced. Characteristics of strong the horse’s foot to provide support, and healthy foot structures are: shock absorption, traction, and Podiatry proprioception (the perception of  Strong, thick sole position and posture). Scott Morrison, DVM, has been a  Strong, robust wall that is free of veterinarian specializing in equine distortions (flares, dishes, underrun/ A preventative hoof care program can podiatry at Rood and Riddle Equine collapsed heels, contracted heels) help ensure that foot structures are Hospital in Lexington, KY, since 1999,  Well-developed bars balanced and remain healthy. Keeping bringing with him years of experience  Even wall growth your horse on a short regular shoeing as a farrier. As the podiatry caseload increased, Rood and Riddle built a podiatry center that is staffed by veterinarians, technicians and farriers. Currently, Dr. Morrison’s caseload is 100% podiatry. He has graciously provided the following information on the care and maintenance of the equine foot.

The foot as a distinct structure is designed for support, with limbs extremely dependent on the health of the entire foot for support. Structural collapse can occur due to The heel of the equine foot functions interval is one of the key management disease (laminitis, white line), trauma, primarily as shock absorption and factors in keeping most athletes sound. conformation, regional overloading houses such structures as the frog, As feet grow long, they become more (one area of the foot receives more digital cushion, collateral cartilage out of balance, and when a foot is out than its share of the load), ratio of and an elaborate vascular system. The of balance it puts all other anatomical body weight to foot size, poor shoeing heel also contains various sensory structures at risk of injury (foot, limb, and foot care, and/or environmental receptors that allow the horse to feel back, neck, etc). conditions (overly wet). and negotiate the ground surface and foot/limb position. The toe is basically Proper conditioning for the physical For a foot to remain healthy and designed to cut into the ground and demands of specific athletic accommodate its basic functions, stabilize the limb for traction. If one disciplines is important and goes it needs to have proper form and region of the foot is compromised hand-in-hand with attention to the structure. Balance is the term most or structurally unstable, it affects the foot. widely used when describing the foot’s ability to support the weight of foot’s form and structure. A balanced the horse. Footing and shoe type should foot is believed to be functionally complement each other. When efficient and capable of providing Distortions, or shape changes, are deciding what type of shoe your support to the limb. A balanced a sign of over- or under-loading a horse should wear, consider the type foot is not necessarily perfectly particular region of the foot. These of footing your horse is on. This will symmetrical, but it does possess a distortions are seen as collapsing or dictate what kind of web width or degree of symmetry and is free of structural failure of an area of the hoof traction devices might be appropriate. hoof capsule distortions such as wall. These hooves do not respond Also consider any pre-existing flares, dishes, bull-nosed dorsal wall, well to normal loading forces and conditions such as conformational crushed/collapsed wall, contracted are more susceptible to trauma and abnormalities, old injuries, heel, etc., which are all signs of injury. The point of ground contact degenerative joint disease or chronic imbalance. affects the manner in which the heel pain. There are some shoeing foot and all the structures above modifications that can help alleviate For a foot to remain healthy and it are loaded. This is the essential stress on these various conditions and accommodate basic functions, it concept underlying the importance prolong your horse’s career. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 15

Foot problems or developing pain are have on horses with different all work to promote excellence in usually indicated by performance- conformational deviations. the practice of complementary related issues such as jump-refusing, therapies through establishment of shortened gait, altered head carriage, (3) What might be the role of stem standards, educational programs, and tripping, forging and overt lameness. cells in healing different foot diseases accreditation exams. like laminitis, navicular apparatus Signs that the hoof wall is unhealthy disease, and soft tissue injuries in the Dr. Sarah le Jeune, a board-certified include cracks, shelly walls, and hoof? equine surgeon and board-certified shoes that come loose frequently or specialist in equine sports medicine fall off. To improve wall quality, first (4) Many conditions of the foot still and rehabilitation at UC Davis, is we evaluate the horse’s nutrition are not completely understood also certified in both veterinary to ensure that the diet is well such as canker and some forms of acupuncture and chiropractic. Dr. balanced, because over- or under- coronitis (irrritated, crusty, swollen le Jeune focuses on the treatment supplementation can cause wall coronary bands). Although many of various performance-related problems. Keeping the hooves treatments may help alleviate these musculoskeletal injuries and lameness painted with a pinetar-based product conditions, more research is needed by an integrative approach including can help decrease the wet to dry to understand the cause of these acupuncture and chiropractic. She cycles that often deteriorate the walls. conditions. received her acupuncture training from the Colorado State University A podiatry exam and foot evaluation To contact Dr. Morrison, visit the and the Chi Institute in Florida and should be part of a routine Rood and Riddle website at www. obtained certification in veterinary examination of equine athletes. roodandriddle.com. chiropractic by the International Intermittently, foot radiographs Veterinary Chiropractic Association. should be taken and reviewed for Complementary Medicine/Early Because of her personal involvement balance by your veterinarian and Screening for Injury with performance horses, particularly farrier. If needed, a plan can be jumpers and dressage horses, Dr. le devised to decrease wear and tear on Acupuncture is becoming more Jeune was motivated to pursue all the feet. prevalent as an adjunct treatment possible treatment and management and diagnostic modality for various modalities to maintain and preserve Equine podiatry has been practiced conditions in horses. Many sport soundness in athletes. by a few veterinarians over the past horses have acupuncture performed three or four decades and is a rapidly on a routine basis to maintain and Acupuncture therapy may be effective growing field. Many veterinarians potentially enhance their athletic as an adjunctive treatment in the have worked as farriers prior to performance. An estimated 80% of following conditions: going to veterinary school, and many elite show jumpers and dressage of them have combined the two horses are treated with a combination Musculoskeletal problems—muscle professions to advance foot care. of traditional Chinese medicine soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, (acupuncture and chiropractic) and degenerative joint disease, obscure As we have learned more about western medicine. lameness, tendon/ligament problems, equine podiatry, we have identified laminitis some areas of research needed in this The use of complementary medicine field: in animals has closely paralleled its Neurological disorders—seizure, development in human medicine laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial (1) Hoof wall quality studies. We need and is becoming more and more nerve paresis better diagnostics to determine why mainstream. The two most widely some walls are weak. Is it nutrition, used are veterinary acupuncture and Gastrointestinal disorders— mechanical, infection, management chiropractic. The American Academy , impaction, chronic colic, or ? of Veterinary Acupuncture, the gastric ulceration, ileus International Veterinary Acupuncture (2) More kinematic studies on how Society, the American Veterinary Other chronic conditions— shoe modifications affect disease Chiropractic Association, the Chi heaves (chronic obstructive and what effect shoe modifications Institute, and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association — Continued on page 16

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Equine Athletes Veterinary acupuncturists and A chiropractic adjustment involves a — From page 15 chiropractors can add valuable high velocity, low-amplitude thrust information to the physical that induces segmental spinal motion. pulmonary disease, recurrent airway examination of the horse and findings This motion usually exceeds that obstructions, asthma), anhydrosis, can be used to localize and treat created by normal locomotion. The uveitis, behavioral problems, sources of discomfort. In a recent adjustment activates muscle spindle Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, study, Dr. le Jeune and colleague Dr. cells and other local proprioceptive hyperthyroidism, infertility, renal Jim Jones of the UC Davis School receptors, which provide stimulation failure, geriatric weakness, skin of Veterinary Medicine sought to to override the neurologically induced problems obtain scientific evidence for the restrictions in that area and inhibit the use of acupuncture (AP) scanning perception of the painful stimulus. Performance enhancement and in predicting lameness in horses prevention of disease—horses in a routine clinical setting. It was The goal of any adjustment is to experiencing performance issues hypothesized that horses exhibiting a restore the optimal range of motion associated with musculoskeletal pain, painful response during palpation of to that joint, which will subsequently who must comply with prohibited superficial AP points along the neck, alleviate inflammation in and pressure substance policies mandated by show back and rump (AP scan) would also on surrounding and soft associations, can benefit show-side show signs of lameness as determined tissue. The inflammation makes it from acupuncture and/or chiropractic by a conventional lameness exam. difficult for nerves to transmit their treatments. This occurred at the 2008 messages accurately, similar to static Olympics, the 2010 World Equestrian The study was conducted in 102 on a telephone line. Considering Games, and the 2012 London Games client-owned horses that were that nerves coupled with the brain in compliance with the FEI. presented for routine AP, reduced and spinal cord (the central nervous performance or lameness. Each system) control everything in the The physiological effects potentially horse first underwent a brief (less body, improving their ability to induced by acupuncture include: than 2 minutes) screening scan of AP communicate well enhances overall points and was classified as positive health. This is particularly important  Pain relief or negative for acupoint sensitivity. in the spine. Note that chiropractic is  Promotion of microcirculation Then each horse was evaluated in the not recommended in cases involving  Anti-inflammatory effects conventional manner for lameness fractures or infectious conditions.  Regulation of gastrointestinal and categorized as lame or sound. In motility this study, AP scanning had a high To become fully accepted in the  Immunoregulation sensitivity, specificity and accuracy veterinary and scientific community,  Endocrine and reproductive (all around 80%) to detect lameness. there is a need to perform regulation The conclusion of the study was that scientifically sound clinical trials for  Antipyretic effects an AP scan could be a useful, quick horses undergoing acupuncture and screening tool during the physical chiropractic treatments for a variety When performed by a trained and exam to identify horses that should of conditions, such as described for qualified veterinarian, acupuncture is undergo a full lameness exam and acupuncture scanning as a diagnostic a very safe medical procedure. Very other diagnostic testing. modality earlier in this section. Other few negative side effects have been types of studies that would be very reported in clinical cases and most Chiropractic care focuses on the useful for performance horses include horses tolerate the treatments well health and proper function of the the following: with minimal restraint and no need for spinal column, although the pelvis, sedation. Acupuncture is not usually limbs and head are also considered. Can acupuncture and chiropractic recommended during as When a chiropractor examines a cause a horse to bear weight more it can cause uterine contractions. It patient, he/she is looking for joints evenly and to use its body in a is also not recommended as the sole with a reduced range of motion. The biomechanically more efficient treatment modality in cases involving common principle in all chiropractic manner? Objective and noninvasive fractures, open wounds or infectious theory is that joint dysfunction affects methods of assessing foot-fall conditions. However, it can easily the normal neurological balance patterns and lameness in horses be combined with other traditional found in healthy individuals. can be performed with force plate therapies. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 17 analysis, which would be an excellent tool to quantify the response of different treatment modalities in clinical patients over time. UC Davis recently acquired a force plate to enhance lameness evaluation and research by providing objective information regarding limb loading and multifactorial lameness.

To what extent do acupuncture and chiropractic promote gastrointestinal motility? Colic is a very common problem in horses and is frequently related to changes in gastrointestinal motility. Acupuncture and chiropractic are currently being used as adjunctive therapies to promote GI motility. An objective assessment of motility in clinical patients could be performed with noninvasive monitoring devices such as the Electroacupuncture on a horse with back pain. Back pain is commonly seen in horses and Smartpill. This could have significant can be successfully treated with acupuncture and chiropractic. Typically, at least three con- implications for postoperative ileus, a secutive treatments are required to obtain resolution of clinical signs. common complication following colic surgery.

For more information on complementary medicine or on current or future clinical trials, please contact Dr. Sarah le Jeune by email at [email protected]. ❅

Motion palpation of the lumbar spine. Restrictions in the lumbar spine are commonly identi- fied in horses and can result in back pain, girthiness and loss of performance.

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Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC Davis

n an ideal world, every horse would The Maddy Laboratory has the distinct  Partner with the veterinary pharma- be tested for prohibited substances advantage of proximity and access ceutical industry to investigate new Iat a facility on the race track before to the UC Davis School of Veterinary equine drugs. each event, with definitive results Medicine. The primary functions of available in a few minutes so that, if this lab are to: California has five major racetracks necessary, stewards could prevent the and a greater number of fair tracks. horse from running. In the absence  Provide routine anti-doping For every horserace, a minimum of of such capabilities, racing authorities services for racehorses and two to three horses are randomly send samples to their official performance horses to ensure the selected for drug testing. The Maddy laboratory, such as the Kenneth L. integrity of sporting events. Laboratory analyzes over 50,000 Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry post-race urine and blood samples Laboratory at UC Davis.  Conduct research to develop annually, screening for the presence testing protocols for new drugs and of more than 2,200 different drugs, The Maddy Laboratory has become investigate new classes of drugs including narcotics, analgesics, a national center of excellence, susceptible to abuse. stimulants, tranquilizers, opiates, local recognized as an outstanding anti- anesthetics and small peptides (i.e., doping laboratory and for its equine  Develop new technologies to demorphin, etc.). pharmacology research. The lab research the pharmacology of is accredited by the International therapeutic medications. Medications that are used for Standards Organization (ISO-17025) therapeutic purposes have varying and they were the first lab accredited  Provide information, continuing degrees of clearance (time needed by the Racing Medication and Testing education, and recommendations for withdrawal of treatment before Consortium. on drug testing and equine pharma- racing), but by California Horse cology related issues to practitioners Race Board rules and regulations The late Senator Kenneth L. Maddy and horsemen. was a force of all the major — Continued next page racing legislation authored in the state of California. He was largely responsible not only for establishing equine research funding for the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine but for ensuring this support remains in place for decades to come. He championed the concept of drug testing to prevent misuse of drugs in equine athletes and believed that for to remain a viable and healthy industry, the integrity of the sport must be guaranteed. His goal was realized in 2000 with the establishment of the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, a research and anti- doping laboratory specifically dedicated to resolving equine industry concerns. The Maddy Laboratory has become a national center of excellence, recognized as an out- standing anti-doping laboratory and for its equine pharmacology research. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh Spring 2014 - 19

For the Love of Sundance Inspiration for enduring commitment to the well-being of horses

arol Green had a lifelong love Cof horses and great passion for horseback riding. She owned a number of horses throughout her life, but she especially adored Sundance—a palomino horse and namesake for her equestrian center, the Sundance Ranch.

Sundance suffered from bouts of laminitis for several years, prompting Ms. Green to find out more about this condition. When she learned about the Center for Equine Health and its excellent reputation for advancing equine welfare and research, Ms. Green decided to make the center a beneficiary of her estate.

Sadly, Ms. Green passed away Carol Green had a lifelong passion for palomino horses and is pictured here with her favorite in September 2010, but her horse, Sundance. commitment to the well-being of horses lives on as part of her systemic diseases of the horse such as of satisfaction to know that her legacy. The estate gift is nearly $4 laminitis. wishes are honored.” million, with an additional amount expected over the next year. The “We are very thankful to Ms. Green for For more information about estate gift established the Sundance her generosity and for the significant planning and planned gifts, please Ranch Endowment, which impact her gift has on equine health,” contact the Development Office supports important biological said Dr. Claudia Sonder, center at (530) 752-7024. research to help find a cure for director. “It gives me a great deal

Maddy Lab — Concluded The laboratory currently has 19 were only detected for 1 or 2 days therapeutics cannot be administered different mass spectrometers after administration. Today, the same within 48 hours of a race. employed for various investigations substances may be detectable for and sample analyses. This state- weeks after the last treatment. This The Maddy Laboratory uses state- of-the-art technology permits the illustrates one of the primary goals of-the-art gas chromatography- detection of very small amounts of of the Maddy Laboratory, striving mass spectrometry and liquid drugs and/or medications. In some to provide information, continuing chromatography-mass spectrometry. cases, these low-level detections education, and recommendations on Employing validated methods, are made after the cessation of the pharmacology-related issues. ❅ confirmation analyses, and strict medication’s pharmacological effect. quality control ensure the accuracy of In the late 1960s and early 1970s, every test result. some equine therapeutic medications

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Director Emeritus: Dr. Gregory Ferraro The Center for Equine Health is supported with funds provided by the State of California Pari- [email protected] Mutuel Fund and contributions by private donors. Senior Editor: Barbara Meierhenry The University of California does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures or [email protected] practices. Management Services Officer: Kim Ney The University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The information you [email protected] provide will be used for University business and will not be released unless required by law. To review your record, contact Advancement Services, 1460 Drew Avenue, Ste. 100, Davis, CA Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine: 95616. A portion of all gifts is used to defray the costs of administering the funds. All gifts are Dr. Michael D. Lairmore tax-deductible as prescribed by law.

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