- Email: [email protected]
A challenge to humane societies
A C H A L L E N G E TO H U M A N E SOCIETIES
Many active participants in the American Humane Society, its subsidiaries and other similar organizations would find it difficult to believe that they are not among the first humans to become concerned about the welfare of animals. 1 submit that the veterinary profession was founded on a deep and abiding empathy toward suffering animals. And the veterinary profession continues today, virtually alone, in its efforts to discover the cause of animal disease and relieve animal suffering from any form of pathology. The veterinary approach to the relief of animal suffering has always been a positive effort. It has been aimed at not only curing disease and suffering in the individual animal, but also has been directed at discovering underlying causes which when eliminated will raise the general level of comfort and well-being of animals. Humane groups are successful at what they do. Their ranks include many celebrities with considerable political influence, and people of wealth. Perhaps their most noteworthy equine-related achievement was bringing about the federal Horse Protection Act, the principle aim of which is to stop the cruel practice of "soring" horses. Currently humane groups are backing legislation to eliminate medication of horses in the United States several days before racing. it is not the point of this editorial to argue the pros and
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE is published bi-monthly (6 times yearly) by William E. Jones, DVM, P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. Copyright 1982 (v by William E. Jones, DVM. No part of this publication may' be reprinted or copied either wholly or in part without permission of the publisher. Telephone 1-714-678-1083. SUBSCRIPTIONS may be obtained by writing to the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Subscription Dept., P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. A six-issue subscription is $3.0 for mailing inside the United States. Library subscriptions are
40
cons of the medication issue. I use it only as an example of the power and influcnce of the humane groups in U.S. society. The medication isstic is such an inconscqucntial matter, compared to the over-all suffering that occurs from equine diseases of all sorts. Thousands of horses die m o n t h l y from strangles, colic, c o r y n e b a c t e r i u m infections and other maladies that we cannot treat effectively due to an embarrassing lack of knowledge. In focusing such intense resources on a matter as comparatively small as medication at the race track, the humane groups have come off as being negative and guilty of perversion of their own originally noble cause. Why have the humane groups not taken a serious look at how our society financially exploits the horse without contributing to the animal's well-being. Total annual purses for races (thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter horses), steeplechases and hunt associations are over $718 million. According to the American Journal of Veterinary Research (Vol. 42, No, 7) the horse industry pays $ I billion in state and local taxes, provides 300,000 jobs and creates $7 billion in purchasing power. Despite these huge funds directly attributable to the horse, a paltry $1,238,000 is made available to the USDA for equine problems. Most of this is spent on regulatory-type activities with about one-fourth of it going to administer the Horse Protection Act. C o n t i n u e d on page 65
$50. Overseas subscriptions are $50 in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. Payment must accompany subscription order. C H A N G E OF ADDRESS:Please give six (6) weeks notice before moving. Send your old address label plus your complete new address to: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Subscription Dept., P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. ADVERTISING: For current rates and space availability, contact Ann Slatten Jones, Advertising Manager, P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. Telephone 1-714-678-1083.
EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
E D I T O R I A L Continued from page 40
It seems that the h u m a n e groups have certainly missed a challenge. F r o m the monies collected by g o v e r n m e n t s , state and federal, only the embarrassingly small sum of $50,000 a year trickles back to the Science and E d u c a t i o n / C o o p e r a t i v e Research of the U S D A which funds grants for equine research channeled t h r o u g h the 50 state agricultural e x p e r i m e n t stations. The h u m a n e groups ought to consider the immense a m o u n t of equine suffering connected with an estimated 15% a n n u a l death loss due to disease. In face of the large purses generated by horses which can race, it seems rather i n h u m a n e that our society does not return a respectable a m o u n t of money to e q u i n e disease research. Now here is a cause worth rallying to; a cause with such need that it could unite h u m a n e g r o u p and veterinary efforts and bring good conscience to all concerned. If any group has the political clout to force federal legislation regarding the horse it is the H u m a n e Society. Lets see some f u n d i n g of a fair share of equine revenue to equine research. At this very m o m e n t h u n d r e d s of horses are s t a n d i n g with head lowered in p a i n , ' a swollen throat so severe that breathing is difficult a n d m a n y of them with multiple abscesses t h r o u g h o u t their a b d o m e n which could bring death at any m o m e n t . In scattered cases t h r o u g h o u t the world Strangles is dealing misery to its victims, and it will c o n t i n u e to do so until we learn more a b o u t the disease and are able to develop an effective vaccine. Right now there are horses gathered together in small groups marked for so-called " h u m a n e slaughter" because they have been diagnosed positive for equine infectious anemia. This disease, which may cause a horse to "waste away," runs r a m p a n t because we do not completely u n d e r s t a n d its processes a n d there has been n o vaccine developed for it. We test a n d kill those that are positive, for lack of funds to do better. T o n i g h t m a n y h u n d r e d s of horses will be rolling a b o u t the g r o u n d in agony f r o m colic, It happens every night, a case here, and a case there; all resulting in the biggest equine killing of all. Why d o n ' t we get to the root of the p r o b l e m and stop colic before it has a chance to start, or develop means to treat it more effectively? A g a i n a lack of m o n e y for research keeps the veterinary profession from being as effective as it would like. Over 20 universlties in N o r t h America have facilities and personnel to attack these and other p r o b l e m s that bring so much misery to o u r horses, but they have very limited funds with which to work. if horses, as a group, had a choice of the type o f " h e l p " they would like from h u m a n e friends, I believe greater protection from crippling and killer diseases would be highest on their list. William E. Jones, D V M , P h D
March/April 1982
ecover
irit with
ro[-V b~a.d of S T A N O Z O L O L
anabolicagentfor dogs.cats. horses Before prescribingsee full product information accompanyingthe product a brief summaryof which follows: CONTRAINDICATIONS: Because the data regarding use during pregnancyare insufficient,WINSTROL-V should not be administered to pregnant dogs and cats. In the absence of data on the effects of WINSTROL-Von stallions and pregnant mares or the teratogenicityon offspring,WINSTRODV should not be used in these animals. WARNING: For use in dogs, cats, and horses. Not for use in horses intended for food. PRECAUTIONS: Animals with impaired cardiac and renal function should be ~vatched closely when receiving anabolic therapy because of the possibilityof sodium and water retention. Specialcaution shouldbe exercised in aged dogs sufferingfrom chronic interstitial nephritis. In such cases, the progress of the disorder should be checked by means of laboratory tests and treatment discontinuedif the drug appears to aggravatethe disease. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Mild androgeniceffectsmay be noted after prolonged therapy with excessivelyhigh doses. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Whenever indicated, anabolictherap~ should be prescribed in conjunction with or as a follow-upto other therapeutic measures. DoD and Cats: The suggestedoral dose for cats and small breeds offlogs is *Ato 1 tablet twicedailyand for large breedsof dogs, 1 to 2 tablets twice daily, depending on body weight. If preferred, the tablets can be crushed and administeredin feed.Treatmentshould be continued for at leastseveralweeks, dependingon the condition and n~sponseo¢ the animal. In certain chronic conditions; especiallyin ~ dogs, treatment can be continued for severalmonths without untoward reactions. Becausethe injectableform is absorbed slowly,in~:ctionsmay be given at weekly intervals.The suspension is best administeredby deep intramuscular injection into the thigh. The recommended dose for cats and small breeds of dogs is 0.5 ml (25 rag) and for larger dogs 1 ml (50 rag). If desired, the two dosage forms of WINSTROL-V can be combined in a regimen of therapy. Many investigatingcliniciansgave an initial doge of the injectableform and then dispensed tablets for daily administration at home. l-lor~: Only the sterile suspension is recommendedfor administration to horses.The recommendeddose is 25 mg per 1t30pounds of body weight intramuscularly,equivalent to 5 ml (250 rag) for a 10(30 pound animal. Deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal region is recommended. Medication may be repeated at weekly intervals up to and includingfour weeks. In clinicaltrials, many animals required no more than one or two doses to achieve desirable therapeutic results. HOW SUPPLIED: WINSTROL-V is availableas scored tablets of 2 rag, bottles of 50 and 500, and as a sterile suspension, containing 50 mg per ml, multiple-dosevials of 10 and 30 ml. Caution: F-~erallaw restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensedveterinarian.
-~~----'~--~
(1030-V)
WINTHROP VETERINARY STERLING ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS Division of Sterling Drug Inc. New York, NY 10016
65
Many active participants in the American Humane Society, its subsidiaries and other similar organizations would find it difficult to believe that they are not among the first humans to become concerned about the welfare of animals. 1 submit that the veterinary profession was founded on a deep and abiding empathy toward suffering animals. And the veterinary profession continues today, virtually alone, in its efforts to discover the cause of animal disease and relieve animal suffering from any form of pathology. The veterinary approach to the relief of animal suffering has always been a positive effort. It has been aimed at not only curing disease and suffering in the individual animal, but also has been directed at discovering underlying causes which when eliminated will raise the general level of comfort and well-being of animals. Humane groups are successful at what they do. Their ranks include many celebrities with considerable political influence, and people of wealth. Perhaps their most noteworthy equine-related achievement was bringing about the federal Horse Protection Act, the principle aim of which is to stop the cruel practice of "soring" horses. Currently humane groups are backing legislation to eliminate medication of horses in the United States several days before racing. it is not the point of this editorial to argue the pros and
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE is published bi-monthly (6 times yearly) by William E. Jones, DVM, P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. Copyright 1982 (v by William E. Jones, DVM. No part of this publication may' be reprinted or copied either wholly or in part without permission of the publisher. Telephone 1-714-678-1083. SUBSCRIPTIONS may be obtained by writing to the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Subscription Dept., P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. A six-issue subscription is $3.0 for mailing inside the United States. Library subscriptions are
40
cons of the medication issue. I use it only as an example of the power and influcnce of the humane groups in U.S. society. The medication isstic is such an inconscqucntial matter, compared to the over-all suffering that occurs from equine diseases of all sorts. Thousands of horses die m o n t h l y from strangles, colic, c o r y n e b a c t e r i u m infections and other maladies that we cannot treat effectively due to an embarrassing lack of knowledge. In focusing such intense resources on a matter as comparatively small as medication at the race track, the humane groups have come off as being negative and guilty of perversion of their own originally noble cause. Why have the humane groups not taken a serious look at how our society financially exploits the horse without contributing to the animal's well-being. Total annual purses for races (thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter horses), steeplechases and hunt associations are over $718 million. According to the American Journal of Veterinary Research (Vol. 42, No, 7) the horse industry pays $ I billion in state and local taxes, provides 300,000 jobs and creates $7 billion in purchasing power. Despite these huge funds directly attributable to the horse, a paltry $1,238,000 is made available to the USDA for equine problems. Most of this is spent on regulatory-type activities with about one-fourth of it going to administer the Horse Protection Act. C o n t i n u e d on page 65
$50. Overseas subscriptions are $50 in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. Payment must accompany subscription order. C H A N G E OF ADDRESS:Please give six (6) weeks notice before moving. Send your old address label plus your complete new address to: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Subscription Dept., P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. ADVERTISING: For current rates and space availability, contact Ann Slatten Jones, Advertising Manager, P.O. Box 1127, Wildomar, CA 92395. Telephone 1-714-678-1083.
EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
E D I T O R I A L Continued from page 40
It seems that the h u m a n e groups have certainly missed a challenge. F r o m the monies collected by g o v e r n m e n t s , state and federal, only the embarrassingly small sum of $50,000 a year trickles back to the Science and E d u c a t i o n / C o o p e r a t i v e Research of the U S D A which funds grants for equine research channeled t h r o u g h the 50 state agricultural e x p e r i m e n t stations. The h u m a n e groups ought to consider the immense a m o u n t of equine suffering connected with an estimated 15% a n n u a l death loss due to disease. In face of the large purses generated by horses which can race, it seems rather i n h u m a n e that our society does not return a respectable a m o u n t of money to e q u i n e disease research. Now here is a cause worth rallying to; a cause with such need that it could unite h u m a n e g r o u p and veterinary efforts and bring good conscience to all concerned. If any group has the political clout to force federal legislation regarding the horse it is the H u m a n e Society. Lets see some f u n d i n g of a fair share of equine revenue to equine research. At this very m o m e n t h u n d r e d s of horses are s t a n d i n g with head lowered in p a i n , ' a swollen throat so severe that breathing is difficult a n d m a n y of them with multiple abscesses t h r o u g h o u t their a b d o m e n which could bring death at any m o m e n t . In scattered cases t h r o u g h o u t the world Strangles is dealing misery to its victims, and it will c o n t i n u e to do so until we learn more a b o u t the disease and are able to develop an effective vaccine. Right now there are horses gathered together in small groups marked for so-called " h u m a n e slaughter" because they have been diagnosed positive for equine infectious anemia. This disease, which may cause a horse to "waste away," runs r a m p a n t because we do not completely u n d e r s t a n d its processes a n d there has been n o vaccine developed for it. We test a n d kill those that are positive, for lack of funds to do better. T o n i g h t m a n y h u n d r e d s of horses will be rolling a b o u t the g r o u n d in agony f r o m colic, It happens every night, a case here, and a case there; all resulting in the biggest equine killing of all. Why d o n ' t we get to the root of the p r o b l e m and stop colic before it has a chance to start, or develop means to treat it more effectively? A g a i n a lack of m o n e y for research keeps the veterinary profession from being as effective as it would like. Over 20 universlties in N o r t h America have facilities and personnel to attack these and other p r o b l e m s that bring so much misery to o u r horses, but they have very limited funds with which to work. if horses, as a group, had a choice of the type o f " h e l p " they would like from h u m a n e friends, I believe greater protection from crippling and killer diseases would be highest on their list. William E. Jones, D V M , P h D
March/April 1982
ecover
irit with
ro[-V b~a.d of S T A N O Z O L O L
anabolicagentfor dogs.cats. horses Before prescribingsee full product information accompanyingthe product a brief summaryof which follows: CONTRAINDICATIONS: Because the data regarding use during pregnancyare insufficient,WINSTROL-V should not be administered to pregnant dogs and cats. In the absence of data on the effects of WINSTROL-Von stallions and pregnant mares or the teratogenicityon offspring,WINSTRODV should not be used in these animals. WARNING: For use in dogs, cats, and horses. Not for use in horses intended for food. PRECAUTIONS: Animals with impaired cardiac and renal function should be ~vatched closely when receiving anabolic therapy because of the possibilityof sodium and water retention. Specialcaution shouldbe exercised in aged dogs sufferingfrom chronic interstitial nephritis. In such cases, the progress of the disorder should be checked by means of laboratory tests and treatment discontinuedif the drug appears to aggravatethe disease. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Mild androgeniceffectsmay be noted after prolonged therapy with excessivelyhigh doses. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Whenever indicated, anabolictherap~ should be prescribed in conjunction with or as a follow-upto other therapeutic measures. DoD and Cats: The suggestedoral dose for cats and small breeds offlogs is *Ato 1 tablet twicedailyand for large breedsof dogs, 1 to 2 tablets twice daily, depending on body weight. If preferred, the tablets can be crushed and administeredin feed.Treatmentshould be continued for at leastseveralweeks, dependingon the condition and n~sponseo¢ the animal. In certain chronic conditions; especiallyin ~ dogs, treatment can be continued for severalmonths without untoward reactions. Becausethe injectableform is absorbed slowly,in~:ctionsmay be given at weekly intervals.The suspension is best administeredby deep intramuscular injection into the thigh. The recommended dose for cats and small breeds of dogs is 0.5 ml (25 rag) and for larger dogs 1 ml (50 rag). If desired, the two dosage forms of WINSTROL-V can be combined in a regimen of therapy. Many investigatingcliniciansgave an initial doge of the injectableform and then dispensed tablets for daily administration at home. l-lor~: Only the sterile suspension is recommendedfor administration to horses.The recommendeddose is 25 mg per 1t30pounds of body weight intramuscularly,equivalent to 5 ml (250 rag) for a 10(30 pound animal. Deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal region is recommended. Medication may be repeated at weekly intervals up to and includingfour weeks. In clinicaltrials, many animals required no more than one or two doses to achieve desirable therapeutic results. HOW SUPPLIED: WINSTROL-V is availableas scored tablets of 2 rag, bottles of 50 and 500, and as a sterile suspension, containing 50 mg per ml, multiple-dosevials of 10 and 30 ml. Caution: F-~erallaw restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensedveterinarian.
-~~----'~--~
(1030-V)
WINTHROP VETERINARY STERLING ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS Division of Sterling Drug Inc. New York, NY 10016
65