Re: RC: RE: Prednisone

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/22/99 5:46:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time, step@fsr.com 
writes:

<< Prednisone is a short acting antiinflammatory. Withdrawal
 time is 24 hours (by AQHA, AHSA, ARCI and FEI violation
 standards). I suspect, but don't know for sure, that AERC
 follows the standards of these organizations (esp. AHSA)
 regarding threshold drug levels. >>

Although I answered Karen privately, perhaps I should mention some of the 
same thoughts here.  Prednisone is cleared very quickly, and hence is not 
likely to "test" given just a few days.  Rules aside, one of the side effects 
of corticosteroids (including prednisone) is an alteration in the way the 
body handles electrolytes and fluids.  Even if the side effect is miniscule, 
that is NOT something I would want to take lightly in an endurance horse, 
especially in summer weather.  Having personally had to deal with the changes 
one goes through in taking prednisone, I would certainly want my horse to 
have a couple of weeks to stablize following treatment with prednisone before 
asking him to perform for long, rigorous hours under conditions where he 
could be in jeopardy if his cooling mechanisms are altered.

Heidi


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