IV AAEP News September 2018
ASSOCIATION
AAEP task force examines bisphosphonate use in juvenile horses By Jeff Berk, DVM
The AAEP was recently asked to consider the development of a position statement on the use of bisphosphonates. This request originated from Thoroughbred sales companies out of concern that these products were being used inappropriately in juvenile horses entered for sale at public auction.
A task force was formed, and the group reviewed the available scientific literature and gathered anecdotal information from many within our profession: equine veterinary orthopedic surgeons; racetrack, sport horse and sales practitioners; and regulatory and laboratory veterinarians. The following issues were considered:
• Off-label use of bisphosphonates and the resulting potential negative consequences for the health and welfare of young horses.
• Development of testing for bisphosphonates farther out than what is currently available.
• Research to examine the effects of administration to young horses on bone as they are exposed to training and racing.
• Education of AAEP-member veterinarians regarding the ethical and legal insurance ramifications of off-label use.
• Provision of leadership for all industry stakeholders and development of a rational, non-political-based approach to this issue.
It became apparent that there is a considerable lack of scientific literature about the use of bisphosphonates in
young horses, and that many in the industry (buyers, owners, veterinarians and regulators) would benefit greatly from new research and testing procedures.
This examination of bisphosphonates is a work in progress, and while efforts are made to press forward in our understanding of this category of drug, the AAEP board of directors has approved the following statement:
In the absence of research to refute the anecdotal observations of deleterious effects of bisphosphonates on immature skeletons, the AAEP recommends that veterinarians follow the manufacturer’s labeling recommendations for administration, particularly with regard to age.
(Note: Bisphosphonates are currently approved for the treatment of navicular disease in horses that are four years old and older.)
How AAEP takes disciplinary action after ethical infractions, continued
testimony presented and will, by majority vote, render a decision in the form of a recommendation and provide this in writing to the AAEP board of directors. The recommen- dation can include taking action against their membership status, censure or other disciplinary sanction.
The board of directors then has up to 90 days to vote on whether to accept the recommendation of the committee findings. This decision is then provided to the member(s)/ parties within 30 days of the board of directors’ decision. Following this decision, the member(s) have the option to an appeal process to the AAEP officers. Following the appeal process, the resulting decision is final.
All discussions by the PC&EC, officers and board of directors related to any case are kept strictly confidential. Although the process as outlined here is in an abbreviated form, it is apparent the AAEP has a very fair and thorough process in place by which any and all ethical infractions are evaluated.
Recent cases brought before the PC&EC include a veteri- narian who left lay people in charge to make diagnostic and treatment decisions while out of the country; a veteri- narian charged with falsifying medical records; a veterinari- an fined for submitting a treatment record and testing of the horse found no such drug; and a veterinarian charged with dispensing loaded syringes to trainers in violation of racetrack rules.
The AAEP has long prioritized ethical behavior for its members. In a time when other veterinary associations are no longer administering the ethical oversight of their members, the AAEP continues to take this aspect of membership very seriously. The AAEP provides extensive educational material on this topic through our website as well as educational programming during our convention. Again this year in San Francisco, there will be a half-day panel discussion on ethics in equine practice on Dec. 3.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our officers, executive director or the PC&EC chairperson.
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