Veterinarian

Supplemental Information

The Louisiana State Racing Commission is responsible for regulating racing at the four race tracks throughout the state. The tracks are located in Bossier City, New Orleans, Opelousas, and Vinton. Each track has three full-time veterinarians, one conducts pre-race physical inspection of every horse entered to race, one monitors the horses on the track during the races, and one controls the on-site equine drug testing program. We are accepting applications for both the Pre-Race and Test Barn Veterinarian opens in Bossier City, Opelousas and Vinton.
The incumbent must possess of a license to practice Veterinary Medicine in the State of Louisiana issued by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and must be able to obtain and maintain a Louisiana State Racing Commission License; must have extensive knowledge in equine medicine and in the horse racing industry; be able to work flexible schedules on an intermittent basis and may require travel to various locations throughout the state.
Pre-Race Veterinarian

• Assists the veterinarian supervisor with pre-race physical inspections of every horse entered to race that day. Ensures that inspections are performed in the morning hours and includes a thorough visual inspection of the general well-being of the horse, checking joints for any heat, softness, or swelling, and jogging horses to check for signs of soreness.
• Supervises and observes horses during morning workouts for signs of soreness and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding). Oversees horses working off the vet’s list, examines for racing soundness post-work, and draws blood samples for testing.
• Conducts a visual inspection of horses warming up prior to the start of a race and helping by attending to any injuries that occur prior to, during or after the running of a race.

• Conducts inspections post-race for signs of lameness and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding). Reports results in writing to stewards with recommendations. Gives special attention to horses making a significant drop-in class or returning from a long layoff.
• Performs random pre-race TCO2 (milkshake) testing of every horse in a minimum of one race, every race day. Duties include: assembling horses in a designated area (or going to individual stall), preparing all chain of custody forms, identifying the horse, and drawing the required amount of blood for testing.
• Establishes a database of medical history on all horses racing in Louisiana. Maintains a sick and injured list working in conjunction with the paddock veterinarian.
• Assists track/paddock veterinarian in visual inspection of horses warming up prior to the start of a race and by tending to any injuries that occur prior to, during, or after the running of a race.

• Fills in for Test Barn Veterinarian or Veterinarian Supervisor, on temporary basis, traveling statewide as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required by the commission, stewards, and/or supervising veterinarian.

• Draws multiple equine blood samples to be used for primary and split samples and places into centrifuge to separate plasma from platelets and red blood cells.
• Retains split samples (plasma and urine) for possible later testing by an alternate laboratory by properly labeling and placing into secured freezer.
• Packages all specimens or assigns collector to do so.
• Supervises transportation of all urine and blood samples to bus depot to be shipped to laboratory and signs the chain of custody form.
• Draws a blood sample periodically upon steward’s request due to possible racing irregularities regarding a particular horse. Gives a statement regarding any physical problems that he/she may have noted immediately following the race.
• Collects and/or processes blood samples to monitor TCO2 levels in the racing horses.
• Collects blood samples on claimed horses, at the claimant’s request, for Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins test) and/or Erythropoietin (EPO) and/or Darbepoietin antibodies.
• Maintains the official “chain of custody” link for all samples collected in the event that a challenge is made by appeal through the commission or through the courts.
• Supervises and controls the on-site equine drug-testing program in the racetrack test barn.
• Supervises collecting and splitting urine samples and placing them into proper containers.
• Supervises one clerical position, three specimen collectors and the guard to the winning horse in the performance of their duties.
• Observes and enforces safety regulations and instructs test barn staff on safety regulations and requirements when handling horses and equine urine specimens.
• Helps to reinforce the integrity of the sport of racing by maintaining strong, honorable, and ethical principles.
• Supervises the identification of each horse coming into the test barn by tattoo number. Assigns a specimen collector to the horse.
• May be called to testify before the Louisiana State Racing Commission
• Responsible for proper disposal of urine and plasma samples that have cleared laboratory-testing processes.

• Supervises maintenance and cleanliness of test barn.