ACTH levels are normally high in the early morning hours of the day and are normally low in the later evening (Greene). ACTH will trigger the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. These glands make cortisol that deals with stress (Flores). When the cortisol levels rise the ACTH levels fall, and when the cortisol levels fall the ACTH levels will rise (Flores). .
Good effects of ACTH are that it may be used diagnostically and therapeutically ("Primary Effects of ACTH"). ACTH has a direct anti-inflammatory effect that will instantly take away pain (IAHA Drugs and Medication Study-Table 1). Many will use drugs to help cure soreness that the footing of an arena can cause. There are many different drugs like Bute, Banamine, and Ketaphen. These drugs will show up in a drug test but they have set standards that are allowed in the blood or urine. These drugs are like a simple Advil or Tylenol that help ease pain. .
Many people would prefer to use ACTH instead of the simple pain relievers because it does not show up in a drug test. ACTH is not testable because of the body's natural ability to produce the cortisol in ACTH. Since there is no way to test for ACTH people continue to use it illegally. If too much cortisol is being produced or administered it can lead to Cushing's disease. A higher level of cortisol in the blood for longer lengths of time can cause a horse to become dependent. A horse that has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease is known to drink vast amounts of water, as much as twenty gallons per day and urinate regularly ("Cushing's Disease" tscnet.com). Cushing's horses are also known for their thick, wavy and coarse hair coats that often fail to shed out in the summertime ("Cushing's Disease" The Pituitary Foundation). This disease can also cause the horse to lose muscle mass on its backbone. Plus horses that have Cushing's disease are more susceptible to other diseases because of the weakened immune system ("Cushing's Disease" The Pituitary Foundation).
