Bute, long term?

Vermeer

Vermeer

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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.
 
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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.
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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 ?
 
Vermeer said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Starzaan said:
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.
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👋👋 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.
 
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