Fact Sheet Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are probably some of the most widely used drugs used in both human and equine medicine. They act to reduce pain by inhibiting the inflammatory pathways after injury. Common NSAIDs used in human medicine include aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen. NSAIDs used in equine medicine include phenylbutazone (bute), meloxicam, suxibuzone and flunixin. NSAIDs may be administered by injection, orally (as a powder, granules or paste given in feed or by mouth) or in a cream, ointment, gel or lotion to apply to the surface of inflamed tissues such as the skin.

NSAIDs are a benefit to the welfare of the equine population through the control of pain and inflammation.

The term ‘non-steroidal’ is used to distinguish these drugs from steroid anti-inflammatories (cortisone). They act by inhibiting a class of enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX enzymes are involved in the inflammatory process which is responsible for inflammation, pain and fever.

Pain can be very distressing but it is nature’s way Key points: of informing the individual that something is wrong. ● administer NSAIDs at the correct dose and Inhibiting pain whilst not fully understanding the frequency, as directed by your vet; cause can be extremely dangerous. For example, administration to a lame horse that might have a ● ensure that all of the medication is consumed/ hair-line fracture could potentially be disastrous. This administered; is why authorities such as the FEI and the British ● do not allow other animals to have access to Horseracing Authority are strict in not allowing horses medicated feed; to compete whilst under NSAID treatment. ● if the condition recurs, seek veterinary advice before recommencing NSAID treatment unless The COX enzyme type 1 also performs important otherwise directed by your vet; roles within the gut and the kidney so high doses or ● immediately stop treatment and consult your vet if prolonged use can lead to side effects. the patient deteriorates in any way.

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Contra-indications Types of NSAID by and warnings active ingredient

● Do not use Phenylbutazone phenylbutazone or (bute): available suxibuzone in horses as an injection, intended for human paste or powder. consumption. Treated It is used horses should never principally to be slaughtered for treat/manage human consumption. lameness and The horse must injuries. It is have been declared effective and as not intended for inexpensive. human consumption Suxibuzone: under national horse granules that are passport legislation. converted to bute ● Do not administer by the liver; has a to animals with special palatable kidney, liver or heart sugar coating disorders, unless and which may specifically directed reduce the side to do so by your vet. effect risk of Be careful where stomach ulcers. there is the possibility Flunixin: of stomach/intestinal available as ulceration or bleeding, injection, paste or or hypersensitivity to the product. granules. It is a powerful pain killer and is also used ● Do not give to foals unless under in the treatment of toxaemia. veterinary supervision, especially in very Meloxicam: is available as an injection or syrup for young foals (less than 12 weeks old). the treatment of lameness and colic pain. The syrup Ensure accurate assessment of body is palatable and has a short withdrawal time before weight and closely monitor response to competition. treatment. Carprofen: injection and granules for the treatment ● A blood sample may be required to of lameness/injury. It is useful for treating pain in check liver and kidney function before, donkeys as it is not broken down and excreted as during and after treatment. rapidly as other NSAIDs. ● Avoid use in dehydrated animals as there Ketoprofen: injection for the relief of pain in injuries is an increased risk of kidney failure. and colic. Older animals are at greater risk. Firocoxib: injection and paste for the treatment of ● After continuous use, or when used at arthritis and lameness. high doses, regular monitoring of the horse including blood testing for any Vedaprofen: oral gel for the treatment of soft tissue adverse effects is recommended. and surgical trauma and inflammation.

For further information contact your local XLVets Equine practice:

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