German researcher Patricia Anielski is raising the bar when it comes to drug testing in horses. Anabolic steroids such as testosterone propionate can be detected in hair samples to identify current and even previous abuse of the substance.

“Anabolic steroids such as testosterone propionate are capable of enhancing muscle growth and improving performance and are banned in many racing jurisdictions worldwide,” explained Anielski, of the Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry. “Concerns regarding the use of anabolic steroids in the breeding sector have also prompted testing for steroids in certain stallions.”

According to Anielski, logistical issues surround the collection of urine or blood from horses. In contrast, hair material is quick and easy to obtain, offers no storage or transport issues, and may permit long-term detection and retrospective estimation of when the drug was administered.

In a recent study, Anielski obtained hair samples from three stallions that were treated with testosterone propionate via intramuscular injections for three weeks. She also collected hair samples from eight untreated control horses and a gelded racehorse. All samples were tested for testosterone and several testosterone derivatives commonly used in pharmaceutical products