Bute, also known as phenylbutazone, is a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and inflammation in horses. While Bute can be a lifesaving drug, it can also be dangerous when not used correctly. Unfortunately, Bute is banned by most racing organizations since it can be used to mask pain or injury in racehorses, which can lead to dangerous or deadly racing accidents. As a result, it’s important for horse owners and trainers to know how to hide Bute on a horse to avoid detection.
Types of Bute
There are two main types of Bute available: oral and injectable. Oral Bute comes in the form of tablets, granules, or pellets, which can be mixed into the horse’s feed. Injectable Bute is a liquid form of the drug that is administered by injection. Both types of Bute are readily available, but for the purpose of hiding Bute on a horse, injectable Bute is the best option since it can be administered quickly and easily.
Hiding the Drugs
When it comes to hiding Bute on a horse, there are a few methods that can be used. The most common method is to hide the drugs in the horse’s feed. This is done by either crushing the tablets or mixing the granules or pellets into the feed. This method is effective, but it requires the horse to consume the drug, which can be dangerous if the horse does not eat the entire amount.
Another common method for hiding Bute is to use an injectable form of the drug. The drug can be mixed with a carrier solution, such as saline or a sterile water solution, and injected into the horse’s muscle. This method is very effective and fast-acting, but it can be difficult to administer the drug without leaving a visible mark.
Camouflaging the Injection Site
If an injectable form of Bute is used, it’s important to camouflage the injection site. This can be done by using a topical cream or ointment to cover the injection site. The cream or ointment should be applied to the injection site before the drug is administered to ensure that it is completely covered. This will help to conceal the injection site and make it less noticeable.
Administering the Drug
When administering the drug, it’s important to be careful so that the drug is not detected. There are a few precautions that should be taken:
- Use the proper dosage: It is important to use the proper dosage of the drug to avoid detection. Too much of the drug can be detected on a drug test, and too little of the drug may not have the desired effect.
- Administer the drug discreetly: When administering the drug, it should be done in a discreet and private manner to avoid detection.
- Dispose of the drug properly: After administering the drug, any remaining drugs should be disposed of properly to avoid detection.
- Administer the drug quickly: The drug should be administered quickly to avoid detection.
Other Methods of Hiding Bute
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are a few other methods that can be used to hide Bute on a horse. These methods include:
Using a Masking Agent
A masking agent can be used to disguise the presence of Bute in the horse’s system. The most common masking agents are vitamin B-12 and alcohol, both of which can be used to cover up the presence of the drug.
Using an Alternative Drug
Another way to hide Bute is to use an alternative drug. There are a number of drugs that have similar effects to Bute, but are not banned by racing organizations. These drugs can be used in place of Bute to achieve the desired effect without being detected.
Using a Detoxifying Agent
Another way to hide Bute is to use a detoxifying agent. A detoxifying agent is a substance that can be administered to the horse to help mask the presence of the drug in the horse’s system. This method is not foolproof, however, as the drug may still be detected if the horse is tested.
Conclusion
Hiding Bute on a horse can be a difficult, but necessary, task for horse owners and trainers. There are a number of methods that can be used to hide Bute, including hiding the drugs in the horse’s feed, using an injectable form of the drug, and using a masking agent or alternative drug. It is important to use the proper dosage and administer the drug quickly and discreetly to avoid detection.
No matter which method is used to hide Bute, it is important to remember that the drug can be dangerous when not used correctly and should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.