Bute for a cough?

[L&M]

My partners mare has developed a cough, nothing major but enough to produce some snot and a few traces of blood, so have stopped all excercise. Other vital signs are all normal and no temp.

However when he popped into his vets yesterday, rather than coming out for a consultation, they have prescribed bute for a few days, which I was a little suprised about.

Fair enough if she had a temp, but would have though if they had any concerns anti biotics would be a more standard practice?

So why the bute - any ideas?

 

[ycbm]

Most colds are viral, which antibiotics won't touch. Bute will reduce inflammation in the airways and might alleviate the cough and will certainly alleviate your own concerns about doing nothing while she recovers.

I hope she's better soon.

 

[be positive]

Antibiotics would be appropriate if there was an infection but as it is more likely to be caused by a virus or just irritation to the airways then bute as an anti inflammatory would be the normal treatment, we tend to use antibiotics too frequently and vets, like doctors, are trying to avoid over prescribing them.

 

[L&M]

That's great - thanks both xx