The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has issued a notice to the racing industry regarding compounded medication.

The memo appears below in English. The embedded PDF shows English and French.

Subject: Compounded Medication

The compounding of drugs is an accepted veterinary practice and when properly prescribed, created and administered, they can be an appropriate and effective treatment for your horse.

Compounded drugs are commonly used when a licensed product is not available or when a different strength or form (e.g. compounded paste instead of tablet) are required.

Compounding involves the combining or mixing together of two or more ingredients (of which at least one is a drug or pharmacologically active component) to create a final product in an appropriate form for dosing.

When treating race horses with compounded medications it may be wise to add extra time to the published elimination guidelines. Owners, trainers any person in charge or having care of a race horsare strongly advised to consult their own veterinarian for advice and guidance in the use of all drugs.

Positive certificates of analysis resulting from administrations of compounded medication remain the responsibility of the trainer.

Should you have any questions or comments with respect to this notice, please contact Dr. Adam Chambers BVMS, at [email protected].