Apparent ELISA detection times for albuterol after administration with the torpex equine inhaler device.

This research article analyses the detection times of the asthma medication albuterol in horses after it was administered through an inhaler device. The study found that after single or multiple doses, albuterol could not be detected in urine 24-48 hours after administration. However, it was traceable in nasal swabs for several days, leading to a recommendation for a withdrawal time of at least 72 hours before competition.

Research Methodology

• Albuterol sulfate was administered to six horses using an equine inhaler device, with single doses of one, three, and six actuations.
• The doses were given sequentially, allowing a 2-week washout period between each dose, and multiple doses were given four times per day for 5 days.
• The researchers used Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing to detect albuterol levels in the urine and nasal swabs of the horses after administration. ELISA is a widely-used method for detecting substances in biological samples.

Results

• The results suggested that albuterol was not detectable in urine 24 hours after single doses, indicating that 48 hours or longer should be allowed for albuterol to be cleared from urine.
• When given at the maximum recommended rate of six actuations per dose four times a day for 5 days, urine samples showed no evidence of albuterol 48 hours after the final dose.
• However, albuterol could be detected in nasal swabs for 8 hours after each single dose. In some cases, horses might have detectable levels of albuterol in nasal swabs for several days following the administration of multiple doses.
• The study made a recommendation for a withdrawal time of 72 hours or longer after administration of aerosol albuterol sulfate to horses before participation in equestrian competitions that regulate for certain performance-enhancing substances.

Limitations

• The research acknowledged the limitations of its recommendations, as they were based on a small sample of horses and the specific ELISA test used.
• Furthermore, the study noted that factors specific to individual horses might influence these detection times.

Despite these caveats, this research provides valuable guidelines for administering albuterol to horses in competitive settings. To avoid violating rules around performance-enhancing substances, equine caretakers should consider a buffer period after albuterol administration.