Poke around the tack room at most horse barns and you are likely to find a few nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are often administered to horses to treat joint and muscle aches, pain associated with injury or illness and digestive discomfort. The NSAIDs most commonly prescribed for horses include phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, firocoxib (brand name Equioxx), naproxen sodium, ketoprofen and diclofenac (topical and oral).

Handle with care

But as safe, effective and familiar as NSAIDs are, they are nonetheless powerful medications that require careful handling and proper administration. As with any medication prescribed for your horse, you’ll want to follow your veterinarian’s instructions when giving your horse an NSAID. With that caution in mind, here’s a summary to ensure that your horse receives the benefits of NSAIDs while minimizing the risk of complications or other problems.

DON’T exceed the prescribed dose of an NSAID.

DO monitor horses receiving NSAID treatments for colic, diarrhea or other signs of adverse effects.

DON’T administer an NSAID more frequently than directed by your veterinarian.

DO talk to your veterinarian about firocoxib or a topical NSAID like Surpass (diclofenac) with less systemic effects. These may be better options if your horse requires long-term administration.

DON’T administer more than one NSAID at the same time, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.

DO make sure that a horse receiving NSAIDs has access to clean, fresh water and monitor him to prevent dehydration.

DON’T administer an NSAID to your horse without consulting your veterinarian.

Read more!

To learn more about the benefits and risks of giving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to horses, click here.

Don’t miss out! The free weekly EQUUS newsletter delivers the latest horse health information right to your in basket! If you’re not already receiving the EQUUS newsletter, click here to sign up. It’s *free*!