‘Bute’ – more correctly called phenylbutazone is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines used in equine practice. It belongs to the group of drugs that are known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This is the same class that includes Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Phenylbutazone is primarily used in horses for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is particularly useful for the treatment of orthopaedic pain i.e. lameness, but is by no means confined to this.

Equipalazone is one ‘brand name’ associated with phenlybutazone. It is usually adiministered in powder form mixed with feed. Some horses don’t like the taste, so a paste can also be obtained.

It is a prescription-only medicine and should only be used only under veterinary supervision as it does have some, all be it rare, side effects. Each case must be assessed by a veterinary surgeon prior to treatment. Commonly it is used to treat arthritic conditions and laminitis.

Arthritis is the commonest reason that horses are given ‘bute’. This old hunter has some arthritis in its knee but is able to work normally and comfortably on 1g of ‘bute’ per day.

This horse has arthritis of the coffin joint – although no longer in work ‘bute’ helps it to enjoy a pain free retirement.

Contrary to popular opinion ‘Bute’ is one of the safest drugs on the market today. Literally millions of doses are administered to horses every year – adverse reactions when ‘bute’ is used within normal dose rates are virtually unheard of. When used over a prolonged period (i.e. years) ‘Bute’ can cause mild damage to the liver although this is uncommon. For any horses on a repeat prescription e.g. for chronic lameness, it would be a good idea to do an annual blood test. 

‘Bute’ can also be associated with stomach and alimentary ulcers when used at high dose rates. Signs of this can include weight loss or fluid swelling around the abdomen and legs. If a horse shows any of these symptoms a veterinary surgeon should be consulted.

Danilon (Suxibuzone) has recently been developed for use in horses. It has a similar action to ‘bute’ but is easier to administer (it tastes better!) and is less lightly to cause stomach ulcers.

Despite this, ‘Bute’ is a very safe drug which provides the gold standard of pain relief in the horse. If you have any further questions please ask your veterinary surgeon. 

Equine Services

Website design ©Solnet Systems Ltd