Bute, long term?

[Vermeer]

Hi folks. Pony in mid 20s with some stiffness issues in hind leg. Vet has suggested treating with Bute long term, at a low level will help. Thoughts/experiences/possible alternatives please?

Pony is currently on devil's claw and just started her on Boswellia about a week ago.

 

[meleeka]

I’d start with a joint supplement, then move onto bute when it’s no longer enough. My old, big mare was on 1 bute a day for at least 3 years. It’s cheaper to get a prescription and order online usually.

 

[SEL]

I did for my draft horse. I think about 4 years starting from ad hoc to daily to twice daily. Twice daily wasn't much for 700kg but I knew it was the beginning of the end - but it kept him comfy.

No gut or other issues

 

[Surbie]

We have a few in their 20s on 1 daily bute at the RDA - one was on it for well over 6 years till pts this week, another since she arrived 5 years ago. No gut issues that we are aware of and it keeps them comfortable for low-level work.

 

[FAYEFUDGE]

I did this, under vets supervision, for many years. Gave my boy many happy years

 

[SO1]

Personally if you can afford it I would try Arthramid first if you have not already tried it.

 

[Auslander]

Alf has been on a low level of bute for his size for a couple of years now. Neither my vet nor myself have any concerns about it, as old age is going to carry him off long before liver issues crop up. I've tried many many supplements/alternatives, and nothing is effective as a bit of bute in his breakfast. He has a Cartrophen injection every 3 months too, which also works well to keep the old dear cheerful

 

[blodwyn1]

I have kept my elderly ponies on Bute for many years with no problems but I always feed milk thistle as well to support their livers.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

We had a mare on bute for years, every so often we gave her a break because it seemed to make her tired but she had no gut issues at all.

 

[paddy555]

having had success with it I would try bozmerix as an alternative to bute long term (as I am doing with one horse I have taken off long term bute as I found boxmerix to be just as effective)

if that didn't work then I would use bute on a long term basis.

 

[MuddyMonster]

For a pony in their mid twenties, I'd give the daily bute knowing they were comfortable and cross the long term issues bridge as and when they arise.

 

[Mary3050]

I have one who’s had a low dose bute for about 4 years for similar reasons we lower it in summer when they feel better and up in winter if they need it . I do have a regular (6month) blood test just to check liver/kidney function . I have read something about pulse dosing so 4 days on bute and 3 off maybe ask your vet their thoughts on it ?

 

[Chianti]

My fist horse was put on a bute a day at 15. Her owner got a youngster and I took her on when she was 18. We had nine happy years together hacking round the countryside. No obvious side effects.

 

[Starzaan]

Hello, long term rehab yard owner here. I hate to say it but once they’re in their 20s it won’t be long enough to cause real damage.
I would go for it.

 

[Vermeer]

Thanks for the advice all

 

[Birker2020]

Hi folks. Pony in mid 20s with some stiffness issues in hind leg. Vet has suggested treating with Bute long term, at a low level will help. Thoughts/experiences/possible alternatives please?

Pony is currently on devil's claw and just started her on Boswellia about a week ago.

My previous horse was on it for around 8 years from memory. Half a sachet of bute a day which rose to one a day over the last 12 months.

The only thing she ever got as a side effect was a mouth ulcer once.

 

[criso]

Mine was on it for about 6/7 years before other things caught up with him.

Never had any gut issues and when the whole yard was tested as there was something causing liver issues, he was the only one whose bloods were only slightly above normal. The others were high to very high.

 

[Hollylee1989]

My sister's mare (28) has been on danilon for 19 months now, keeps her comfortable. I'd say go for it

 

[Lexi 123]

I know people might not agree with me but because he is mid 20s and won’t live long enough to develop issues. I would try devils relive joint supplement it’s cheaper than Bute but it acts like Bute it actually banned substances for competing because it’s proven to work.

 

[moosea]

I have no problem with long term bute.


Not sure if your horse is ridden or not.

I'd want to know a confirmed diagnosis so ie. arthritis, before putting onto long term bute.

Also be aware that bute can mask other injuries so you really need to be aware of that.

 

[Vermeer]

Good to know everyone seems to have had mostly good experiences with it - thanks all.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Hello, long term rehab yard owner here. I hate to say it but once they’re in their 20s it won’t be long enough to cause real damage.
I would go for it.

hello, i am trying to PM you but i can't workout how, are you able to message me as i have a question about your yard and the rehab you do.