Failed Equine Pre-Purchase Drug Screen
Travis Mays, MS, PhD
Blood was collected during a routine pre-purchase examination on a horse and submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for drug testing. Serum was extracted using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Romifidine was confirmed in the sample by LC-MS/MS.
Romifidine is a potent α2-adrenoreceptor agonist with sedative and analgesic properties and is labeled for intravenous use in horses only. TVMDL’s equine pre-purchase drug screen detects nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sedatives and tranquilizers.
This test gives a potential buyer peace of mind by screening for drugs that have the potential to affect the physical and/or emotional soundness of a horse during the examination.
For more information about drug testing at TVMDL, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call 1.888.646.5623.