Bute?

[Pikachu]

Hi all

I was just wondering if anyone knew of any side effects associated with bute? I've never come across any in the past but my boy has been on 2 a day for a while now and there are a few things that are making me wonder if they are associated with the bute. The leaflet inside the box doesn't mention any side effects like it does with human medicine.

I have an appointment with the vet on Friday and will ask her then (prob think im bonkers!) but any info/experiences would be great.

Thanks
Jen

 

[AmyMay]

It can be a bit rough on the tummy. And also cause liver damage - long term though over many years.

 

[Basset]

My old mare has been on bute for 3years at 3-4 sachets a day and she has had no side effects, do a search on the web and that should tell you all side effects

 

[Pikachu]

Thanks, i knew about the long term use and liver issues and questioned that when he first went on it as i don't think he will be coming off of it but vet said that was long long term use and mainly affected ponies rather than horses.

Its not big things, but just subtle changes that aren't normal for Murph. Its probably just a coincidence.

 

[Foxglove]

Mainly Liver damage but it can also cause joints (hocks and knees mainly) to swell. Don't know how common this is and you need a fair amount in the system.

 

[GreedyGuts]

gastric ulceration and kidney disease are the main problems, although at a normal dose rate the risks of these are minimal. What signs is he showing that you are worried about?

 

[AmyMay]

You may want to ask your vet to give you Danillon instead. It is much kinder on the system, and is what I had Freddy on long term.

 

[GreedyGuts]

Danillon is converted to bute in the horses system so it really makes no difference. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless your horse is old and has other medical probs, or he's on a really high dose.

 

[alisonpook]

I had suspicions that it tended to make my horse rather quiet and lethargic.

 

[Pikachu]

Thanks all. He was on danilon when he was on box rest with his tendons but vet had only brought bute with her this time, so he went on that.

They aren't big things as i've said before, just little things like his tail has gone really thin and if you just run hand through it loads comes out (he used to have a really thick tail that you struggled to get a brush through) but his mane is ok. He also seems to have a lot more scrapes on skin, this is common as he cuts himself a fair bit, but there are lots more than normal. And lastly in this rain etc he was really cold, now he's been out in worse than this and this is the first time in the 2 1/2 years i've had him that i've ever known him shiver as its usually the other way round and he sweats up if slightly warm (my other lad who was fully clipped was out to and he was fine).

As said, not major things, but definitely not normal for him so just wondered if related to the bute.

 

[KatieK1]

I know that Bute certainly causes liver problems if used long-term but if it is necessary it will definitely help short term. Im considering putting my only TB gelding on it full time now as he is a bit stiff in his back and hocks.

Katie <font color="purple"> </font>