Cobalt Use in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Toxicity, Performance Myths & Cardiovascular Risks 🧪🐎
In this article
Cobalt Use in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Toxicity, Performance Myths & Cardiovascular Risks 🧪🐎
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
In the competitive world of horse racing and performance disciplines, supplements are often used in hopes of enhancing strength, speed, and endurance. One such substance that has gained notoriety is cobalt. Despite being a trace mineral naturally present in equine diets, the use of high-dose cobalt injections has become controversial. In 2025, veterinarians now strongly caution against this practice due to the lack of proven benefit and known cardiovascular dangers.
What Is Cobalt? 🧬
- A trace mineral required for the synthesis of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- Normally consumed through forage and commercial feeds
- Required in microgram amounts—very small doses
Why Cobalt Became a Supplement Fad 🧪
- Believed to stimulate red blood cell production, similar to EPO (erythropoietin)
- Supposedly increases oxygen delivery and stamina
- Used intravenously in some racing stables to “boost performance”
- Marketed in some illegal injectable cocktails despite lack of safety studies
What the Research Shows ⚠️
Colorado State Study Findings
- Five mares were injected with various doses of cobalt intravenously
- Observed effects:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Potential Consequences
- Heart arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac death
- Increased vascular pressure could cause vessel rupture or organ failure
- No controlled studies show any performance benefit in horses
Why Cobalt Use Is Risky & Unethical 🚫
- Cobalt is toxic at high levels
- Repeated or high-dose exposure may cause:
- Nerve damage
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Endocrine disruption
- Research in humans and rodents has shown similar toxicity
No Defined Safe Dose in Horses 📉
- There is no established therapeutic dose or safe upper limit for injectable cobalt in equines
- Even trace amounts can have cumulative effects in the bloodstream
- No veterinary-approved cobalt products are licensed for performance use
Regulatory and Legal Status ⚖️
- Cobalt is now classified as a prohibited substance in many racing jurisdictions
- Regulations may include blood and urine thresholds for detection
- Positive cobalt tests can result in fines, suspensions, and disqualifications
Case Example: Standardbred with Suspected Cobalt Use
- Trainer noted horse was edgy and had labored breathing post-race
- Cardiac arrhythmia confirmed on ECG
- Horse had received injectable cocktail including cobalt
- Veterinarian discontinued use, initiated supportive cardiac care
- Horse was banned from competition pending clearance
FAQs About Cobalt in Horses
Q: Is cobalt essential in equine diets?
A: Yes, but in very small natural amounts. No additional supplementation is needed in healthy horses.
Q: Can cobalt improve red blood cell count?
A: There is no reliable evidence of performance or hematologic benefit in horses.
Q: Is cobalt dangerous?
A: Yes. It can cause heart arrhythmias, blood pressure spikes, and even death when administered intravenously.
Conclusion
Cobalt may sound like a miracle enhancer, but the science says otherwise. In 2025, we now know that there is no safe or effective use of injectable cobalt in horses. The cardiovascular risks, combined with lack of proven benefit, make it a dangerous and unethical choice. Stick to proven conditioning strategies and nutritional support—not harmful shortcuts.
Need help evaluating performance supplements or suspicious substances? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to connect with Dr Duncan Houston for safe performance care. 🩺🐴
