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Nearly $155,000 is Raised

Derby Gala benefits equine research

The Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach was the setting for the 43rd annual Florida Derby Gala on March 13. The gala raises money for research conducted at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine-- specifically a major study of the detection, effects over time, and threshold levels of certain therapeutic medica- tions in racehorses. Laury Becherer-Sullivan, assistant director of development for the college, estimates that the gala will have raised more than $155,000. "We still get checks several weeks after the event," she explained. Funds generated by the gala supplement those provided by the Florida Division of Parimutuel Wagering.

The research project is headed by Drs. Pat Colahan and Michelle LeBlanc, who are attempting to determine physiological parameters for certain medications. In earlier studies, funded primarily by the Division of Parimutuel Wagering, researchers administered acepromazine to horses and took samples to determine how long the medication was detectable in the horse's system. Drug clearance times were then compared with the duration of effect on the horse's physi- ological and biochemical parameters. Acepromazine, researchers found, can be detected in the blood and urine beyond the duration for physiological effects. In everyday racing, this would be a problem for trainers whose horses receive acepromazine preparatory to shipping. Further studies of other medications, such as prednisolone and flunixin meglumine are underway. The Florida Derby Gala contrib- utes to this sustained research.

"These studies are being performed in the interests of the indi- vidual horse and the fair sport of horse racing," said Dr. Eleanor Green, who is affiliated with the project. "The ultimate goal is to allow the administration of appropriate, necessary medications in a responsible manner which benefits the horse but does not affect racing performance."

Treadmill studies

The equine treadmill at the University of California, Davis, Equine Lameness and Performance Evaluation Facility provides clinicians with a valuable diagnostic tool both for clients and research. The facility was built at the University of California, Davis, Veteri- nary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) in 1995 with funding from the Center for Equine Health and the VMTH. The facility is housed in a covered barn with a 48' x 80' arena and an equine treadmill.

Diagnostic lameness evaluations require clinicians to exercise horses in a circle and a straight line at various speeds. For many years, at UC Davis, this work was conducted on the asphalt parking lot of the Large Animal Clinic where the danger of a horse spooking at traffic or slipping was always an issue. The covered exercise barn provides protection from the weather and outside distractions.

The treadmill is a SATO 1 model which operates quietly with variable speed and inclination controls allowing a horse to run up to 35 mph. The treadmill is set at ground level and has an open and airy

202 JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE