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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. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.