In spite of many advertisements to the contrary by the pharmaceutical industry, horse owners should be aware of the dangers that some common equine medications pose when used imappropriately.
Dangers of over-use of horse medications
NSAIDs may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to equines by contributing to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, which may trigger bouts of laminitis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to the equine, whether pet or athlete.
NSAIDs can contribute to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, which all may trigger bouts of laminitis. Even short term NSAID use has the potential for renal (kidney) and liver toxicity, and may decrease a horse’s health and performance.
Research has shown that NSAIDs may also slow down the healing process of soft tissues. This means that the patient using NSAIDs may look normal and not have pain evident, but the tissue is weaker longer and at a higher risk for re-injury during the extended healing period.
Other options are available for use to treat inflammation and pain.Some natural products are very effective while being much safer than prescription NSAIDs. Some of these may be herbal, botanical, nutritional, and/or homeopathic blends. Keep in mind not all “natural” products are safe or effective and some of them will test positive on drug screens.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine are used to reduce inflammation and pain from injuries, surgery, or bone fractures. New research has discovered that NSAIDs have the potential to inhibit bone healing, especially in the early stages.
Higher doses and longer periods of use have been linked to increased inhibition of bone healing in studies with rabbits and rodents. In the single study involving horses, biopsies were taken from the bones of horses receiving phenylbutazone and from a control group not receiving the medication. At 16 and 30 days, there was less mineralized tissue in the biopsy sites in horses that had received phenylbutazone.
Though the difference in mineralization was minor, it could be important in how quickly and strongly bones repair themselves. Horse owners are advised to consult a veterinarian on the use of phenylbutazone or other NSAIDs use to relieve discomfort from injuries.