Bute - what does it do?

[Boxers]

Is it a pain-killer or an anti-inflammatory?

My pony is lame on his off-fore. It doesn't appear to be the sole of his hoof. Someone said to give him bute for a few days as if it's an inflamation the bute will calm it?

I don't want to just mask any pain - but I'm not sure where the pain is!

 

[claire1976]

I believe its both pain relief and anti-inflammatory but may be wrong..??!!

 

[Skhosu]

I don't generally bute as I like to see if their improving.
How lame?
Would you not get the vet out or maybe give them a ring?
I have never given bute without knowing the cause of the injury/without vets advice, but we are a small family yard and don't have that much experience.

 

[pfarrugia]

it stops inflammation and stops pain.
Echo what TripleSandH says tho - get the vet out - pretty bad move to bute if you don't know reason for lameness in first place - if horse feels better and puts more weight on the foot they could do more harm! Call the vet for a chat.

Good Luck

 

[jayvee]

Bute is a pain killer and an anti-inflammatory. It is not an anti-biotic so will not clear an infection.
I would prefer to have the problem diagnosed rather than mask the unknown. It could do more harm than good.
Seek veterinary advice if the lameness persists or gets worse say 3 or 4 days from the start of lameness, that's what I would do.

 

[emma69]

Think of Bute as horsey ibuprofen - it reduces inflamation thereby reducing the pain

 

[Boxers]

vet came today and diagnosed bruising in the back of his fetlock. We've put a hot poultice on and will do another one tomorrow.

he said he can be turned out and he can be ridden for a short time but only at the walk and only in straight lines!