GWIC has been advised that there is currently short supply of two medications frequently used by industry participants:

1. Eyedrops containing prednisolone (e.g. Prednefrin® Forte). Typically, these medications are used for the topical treatment of pannus. For these medications to be used in racing greyhounds (under LR1B), the individual greyhound MUST be listed on GWIC’s Pannus Register.
2. Ethyloestrenol tablets (e.g. Orabolin®) for oestrus control in female racing greyhounds

If you have recently been prescribed an alternative treatment, please discuss the option carefully with your prescribing veterinarian to avoid an inadvertent positive swab.

Where Prednefrin® Forte cannot be sourced, replacement options for the topical treatment of pannus in racing greyhounds include tacrolimus or cyclosporin drops/ointments. Beware of alternatives that contain other corticosteroids that can result in positive swab results (e.g. dexamethasone).

Where ethyloestrenol/Orabolin® cannot be sourced, the only alternative for oestrus control in female racing greyhounds are products that ONLY contain norethisterone (e.g. Noriday®, Primolut®-N). Beware of alternative, single pills that combine norethisterone with other medications (such as oestrogen) - these can result in positive swab results. Always check the dosage with your prescribing veterinarian as strengths may vary between different brands of norethisterone.

If you require assistance with any recent prescriptions or wish to discuss suitable replacement treatments further, please contact our Veterinary Team vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au

Participants are also reminded of R84A, in relation to keeping a record of treatments to greyhounds:

R84A     Treatment records to be kept

1. The person in charge of a greyhound must keep and retain records detailing all vaccinations, antiparasitics and medical treatments administered to a greyhound from the time the greyhound enters their care until the greyhound leaves their care and for a minimum of two (2) years. Such record of treatment must be produced for inspection when requested by a Steward or a person authorised by the Controlling Body. Any person responsible for a greyhound at the relevant time who fails to comply with any provision of this rule shall be guilty of an offence.
2. Each record of treatment kept in accordance with this rule must be made by midnight on the day on which the treatment was given and, as a minimum requirement, include the following information:
   1. Name of the greyhound;
   2. Date and time of administration of the treatment;
   3. Name of the treatment (brand name or active constituent);
   4. Route of administration.
   5. Amount given;
   6. Name and signature of person or persons administering and/or authorising treatment

GWIC has developed a Greyhound Health Record template which is available here to assist participants with their record-keeping obligations.