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The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is advising the Canadian thoroughbred, quarter horse, and harness racing industries of upcoming changes to the Elimination Guidelines (EG).
Veterinarians and trainers should adjust their treatment protocols before the changes described below come into effect on April 3, 2023. The EGs on CPMA’s website will be updated at that time.
All EGs for medications not listed here will remain the same.
Only the EGs currently published on the CPMA’s website should be relied on when making treatment decisions for a racehorse.
The CPMA strongly recommends that you consult your veterinarian on any decision to administer supplements or medications to a horse.
If you have any questions, please contact the CPMA at 1-800-268-8835 or aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@agr.gc.ca.
Summary of upcoming changes to the EG
| Drug name | Current elimination guideline | New elimination guideline or change | Rationale for change |
| Atropine | 24h / 15 mg IV / single | 24h / 7 mg IV / single | Reduced dose better reflects current prescribing recommendations. |
| Ciclesonide | New | 48h / 2744 µg AER twice daily for 5 days, followed by 4116 µg AER once daily for 5 days | Note that this EG applies to the Aservo Equihaler only, administered using the manufacturer’s applicator. |
| Dantrolene | 36h / 1 g PO / single | 48h / 1.5 g PO / single | The EG was lengthened to allow for the larger single dose. |
| Dembrexine |
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Administrative change to simplify guidance. |
| Dexamethasone |
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The IM EG was developed in response to requests from veterinarians. |
| Flunixin |
|
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Intramuscular use is no longer recommended due to the risk of adverse reactions. |
| Isoflupredone |
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The intramuscular use is no longer recommended due to the variable and extended elimination of isoflupredone by this route. |
| Meloxicam |
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The EG was lengthened to allow for the larger single oral dose. The IV dose was lengthened to be in line with other jurisdictions. |
| Mepivacaine |
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The dose was lowered to better represent the manufacturer’s recommended IA dosage.
The EG was lengthened to provide more time for re-evaluation of the horse between joint block and racing. |
| Penicillin G Procaine |
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Penicillin G Procaine is no longer recommended for oral or topical use. |
| Salicylic Acid |
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The CPMA no longer supports the administration of this substance within 24 hours of racing. |
| Theophylline |
|
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This EG was developed in response to requests from veterinarians. |
| Triamcinolone acetonide |
|
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This EG was developed in response to requests from veterinarians. |
| Trichlormethiazide |
|
|
The EG was changed to align with dexamethasone guidance.
|
| Xylazine | 24h / 500 mg IV / single | 48h / 500 mg IV / single | The EG was lengthened to provide more time for re-evaluation of the horse between sedation and racing. |
| Acronym | Glossary |
| ug | Microgram |
| AER | Aerosol |
| g | Grams |
| h | Hours |
| IA | Intra-articular |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IU | International Units |
| IV | Intravenous |
| mg | Milligrams |
| PO | Per os; by mouth; oral |
| SC | Subcutaneous Injection |
| TOP | Topical |
Also available online.
From the CPMA
