If you have an equine athlete or just an occasionally ridden pleasure horse you probably have this basic horse care product around your barn.
Phenylbutazone or by its common name Bute, is an economical and popular non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID).
It can supply relief for horses for more than twenty four hours.
It can be a god send for both the horseman and horse.
There is however a down side when using Bute.
Common side effects seen with Bute toxicity can be dorsal colitis and oral ulcers.
Dorsal colitis is a serious ulcerative inflammatory condition of the horse's colon.
It can be a life threatening situation for the horse.
Oral ulcers are lesions or open sores in the horse's mouth.
There are still other side effects associated with the use of this product we commonly find in the basic horse care medicine chests.
Bute toxicity can cause low white blood cell counts, anemia and diarrhea.
It can cause hemorrhages in the gastrointestinal tract and esophagus.
Bute can also cause liver, kidney and intestinal diseases.
If it does affect the kidney it may go undetected.
In horses that are dehydrated, kidney failure can occur.
Ultrasound is needed to identify the effect if any on the kidney.
Before administering Bute to a horse the heart rate, temperature, normal appearance, and breathing rate of the horse should be established.
A horse should be examined by a veterinarian before using Phenylbutazone to minimize chances of reaction.
The horse's appetite, manure production, attitude and overall appearance should be watched closely.
If there are any changes consult a veterinarian.
If adverse side effects are seen after a horse goes on a course of Bute, stop giving it and contact a veterinarian immediately.
A veterinarian should examine the horse.
Blood work should be done to see if toxicity is possible.
It could be fairly common but the prevalence of Bute toxicity is not really known.
Excessive or extended use of Bute can cause a variety of health problems for horses.
Low doses with the longest possible dosing interval will probably not cause a problem.
Giving a gram of Bute a couple of times a week to an older horse with arthritis will probably not cause toxicity.
For most horses this staple in our basic horse care medicine cabinet will be safe when used as directed.
Horses most at risk of Bute sensitivity are performance horses that travel, aged horses, dehydrated horses, ponies, foals, and horses with low protein blood levels, kidney or liver disease or rhabdomyolysis (tying-up).
If you chose to give your horse Bute make sure you are doing it under a veterinarian's instruction.
To minimize the long term effects of Bute use, consult your veterinarian.
They can help you recognize any toxicity problems that could occur.
Unless it is veterinarian directed this basic medicine for care of ailing horses should stay in the medicine cabinet.