Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th August 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Racing body advises against injectable Omeprazole
Samples of the injectable Omeprazole 100mg/ml (BOVA UK) were found to contain low levels of testosterone.

Product found to contain low levels of testosterone

Injectable Omeprazole should not be used in racehorses due to the presence of testosterone, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has advised.

BHA encouraged trainers to discuss alternative treatments with their veterinary surgeons.

Analytical laboratory LGC looked at a number of products containing Omeprazole. Samples of the injectable Omeprazole 100mg/ml (BOVA UK) were found to contain low levels of testosterone.

No oral preparations were found to contain testosterone or any other anabolic steroid.

BHA warned that the possession, use or attempted use of this product could amount to a breach of the Rules of Racing.

Presence of testosterone over the permitted threshold in a sample could result in a 14-month suspension from racing and a 12-month stand down from racing for the horse, as well as other penalties for the Responsible Person.

Trainers and other industry participants were advised to remove the product from all licensed premises and not to administer the product to a thoroughbred from birth until permanent retirement from racing. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.