Dexamethasone

[Tia]

I have only ever used Dexamethasone in inject-able form, however I was reading the other day about it being available, and it seems more common, as a powder which is put into feed.

Can anyone tell me the difference and which method is more efficient? I was assuming that injecting it would have it work much quicker, so why does it seem to be so much more common for horse owners to be given it as a powder?

Also, on similar lines, which is favoured by you? Injecting Banamine or giving powdered bute? I have a little Banamine and a few tubs of powdered bute but am thinking about only keeping Banamine in future instead of bute.

I'm just having a "Vet Room" overhaul right now and my mind has become enquiring, momentarily, Lol!

 

[Britestar]

In humans it is given in tablets form. Also that way for dogs.

Injections on the whole if given IV will get straight into the system, slighty slower IM and oral forms will take a little longer still as they have to pass through the digestive tract and be absorbed through it.

Having said that, I wouldn't want to be using Dex without a Vet present.

 

[Tia]

Yes that was what I thought. I always IM it. I just wondered why it seems so much more common for vets to give powders rather than in injectable form?

I have to use many drugs without a vet present. I have a pretty full vet room so can handle most emergencies...although today was something quite extraordinary - watch for my thread and gruesome photos tomorrow

. Certainly no use of DM that's for sure.

 

[glenruby]

Well, many many horse owners are not competent or confident to give ANY injections especially not i.v. If you think this is an exaggeration, youd be surprised! many owners even have trouble with orally syringing meds. A powder form is much easier to prescribe as even the poorest horseman can mix a feed! IV is the quickest to work henc thats the one the vet favours - but as you know there are risks with giving iv/im injections - another reason why most vets wont leave iv drugs to their clients.
Banamine I would favour for colic or GIT pain but bute is preferable for musculoskeletal pain.