In today's racing world, horses are no longer being given the usual hay, water, and bute. Instead of drugs being used in prescribed amounts, excess is being administered not only to enhance a race horse's performance, but also to mask injuries. Ever since “permissive medications” were first allowed to be used in North America in the 1970s, the leniency has only increased (1). 

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As our technology is improved, the administration of drugs becomes easier and more advanced. Common drugs such as Salix and Bute can mask injuries when administered in large quantities, causing veterinarians to not be able to properly examine horses on race day. Not only are these anti-inflammatory medications dangerous when used in large quantities, they have the opportunity to weaken immune systems and make horses more vulnerable to diseases (1). 

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With the drug Lasix, its therapeutic purpose is to prevent blood from entering the lungs, which is called exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. This drug is administered four hours before racing, which causes the horse to urinate and to lower hydrostatic pressures in the horse’s body. As a horse gallops, the volume and pressure of both the blood and air entering and exiting is so forceful that it can break through the thin blood, causing blood to enter the lungs (2).

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Instead of relying on the pedigree of these horses, drugs are pumped into their system to ensure that they live up to their names. A multitude of famous and beloved race horses have been put down because of drug misuse.

 

Eight Belles, a famous filly who made history in multiple races, collapsed a little after the wire and had to be put down on the track. Her injuries included compound fractures in both ankles, and according to the Associated Press, they described lacerated skin on both legs, an absence of joint fluid in the damaged areas and congested lungs. Eight Belles also experienced a bruised head and hemorrhaging in the left thyroid gland, which the report blamed on her fall after the initial injuries (3).

 

The break sustained by Eight Belles was also the same type of break that 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was put down for, in the 2006 Preakness (3). These are only a few of the most recognized race horses who were put down as a result of drug abuse that caused a breakdown.

 

The video below shows these heartbreaking moments.​