Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are effective in relieving pain, but extended use of bute and other common NSAIDs frequently causes irritation of the horse’s gastrointestinal tract.

A note in Horse Journal gives information on Equioxx, a new NSAID given as an oral paste, that offers pain relief in an alternate form for horses that go off their feed or show signs of abdominal discomfort after bute is administered. The active ingredient is firocoxib.

A dose of Equioxx is equivalent to 2 grams of bute per day for a 1000-pound horse in relieving signs of osteoarthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Kentucky Equine Research makes no recommendation, either positive or negative, regarding this product, and advises checking with a veterinarian for advice on treating pain in horses.