The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has lowered the testing threshold level for phenylbutazone ("Bute"), a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but has kept the administration time at 24 hours prior to a race.

The RMTC, at a meeting in Lexington, April 12, also announced the launch of a public database on rulings that can be accessed at www.rmtcnet.com.

The testing threshold for phenylbutazone has gone from five micrograms per milliliter to two. Some regulatory veterinarians have said NSAIDs can interfere with pre-race examinations.

"This action was taken in response to concerns expressed by the regulatory veterinary community regarding the effects of NSAID administration on pre-race examinations," Dr. Rick Arthur, chair of the RMTC Scientific Advisory Committee and equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, said in a statement. "The committee felt that the regulatory veterinarians’ concerns that NSAID levels may compromise pre-race examinations were justified. This adjustment in permitted phenylbutazone level is measured and appropriate