La. Admin. Code tit. 35 § I-1720

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 5, May 20, 2024

Section I-1720 - Total Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Testing

A. Definitions

Bicarbonate Loading or Milkshaking-terms used to describe the administration of bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate or NaHCO₃) or other substances that affect total dissolved carbon dioxide levels, administered through a nasogastric tube or by any other means, which shall be deemed to have an adverse affect on the horse by changing its normal physiological state through elevation of blood total dissolved carbon dioxide.

Nasogastric Tube- any tube which can be inserted through the nose that extends into the stomach.

B. Procedures

1. The state veterinarian may draw blood samples from a horse for the purpose of obtaining a TCO₂ (total dissolved carbon dioxide) concentration level.

2. Blood samples for TCO₂ may be drawn prior to, or after, the race. Samples drawn after the race shall not be drawn earlier than 90 minutes following official post time. Samples drawn pre-race shall be drawn prior to the official post time.

3. The pre- or post-race TCO₂ level in the blood shall not exceed 36.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

4. In the event a sample drawn from a horse contains an amount of TCO₂ which exceeds the level described above, the following penalties shall apply.

a. The first time the laboratory reports an excessive TCO₂ level, the trainer shall be fined $1,000 and the purse shall be redistributed.

b. The second time the laboratory reports an excessive TCO₂ level, the stewards shall suspend the trainer for the duration of the race meeting plus 10 days or for a period not to exceed six months, whichever is greater, the purse shall be redistributed and the case referred to the commission.

c. For each subsequent report of an excessive TCO₂ level, the penalties provided for in Subparagraph B.4.b shall apply.

5. The provisions of §1733 and §§1769-1775, pertaining to split samples, shall not apply to blood samples drawn for the purposes of TCO₂ testing.

6. No permittee other than veterinarians shall possess a nasogastric tube, as described herein, on the premises under the jurisdiction of the commission.

La. Admin. Code tit. 35, § I-1720

Adopted by the Department of Economic Development, Racing Commission LR 26:1992 (September 2000), amended by the Office of the Governor, Division of Administration, Racing Commission, LR 32:1221 (July 2006), LR 33:845 (May 2007).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 4:148.