Drugs, medications and toxins affect horses in many specific ways. Becauses of these effects, researchers are constantly working not only to develop new drugs and medications, but, also, to learn about the effects these substances have on horses, both long term and short term.
In competitive events such as racing, highly sensitive tests are needed to detect performance altering drugs, stimulants, depressants, narcotics and tranquilizers which can influence racing performance. This research helps keep the playing field level and protects horses from those who would harm them by misuse of drugs and medications.
Over the years many therapeutic medications have been developed to protect the health and welfare of horses. Thorough research and testing is necessary to define concentrations and withdrawal times to enable safe use of therapeutic medications in horses.
The identification of toxins and how they affect horses is another area of indepth research. Research identifies substances causing toxic syndromes and develops prevention and treatment techniques to protect horses. Whether it is a test for fescue toxicoses or a medication to help rid the horse's system of an accidental overdose, this research is vital to saving horses' lives.