Question 1

For how long can you safely give bute to a horse?

Accepted Answer

Bute is a medication given to horses as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used drugs for horses. Some horses require just a short course of bute for a few days, whilst others remain on it for the long-term management of chronic musculoskeletal problems.
The dosage of bute can be varied, depending on the size of the horse, weight and age. The dosage is usually 0.35-0.5 mg per kilogram of weight for a one-time dose or a daily dose of up to 1 mg/kg body weight per day.
Bute is a prescription-only medication, and should only be given to a horse if prescribed by a veterinarian. This means your vet will decide how long it is safe and necessary to give bute to your horse, minimizing the risk of any potential side effects.

Question 2

Does bute calm a horse down?

Accepted Answer

Bute does not calm a horse down, but the reduction in pain may help the horse to relax and make it appear calmer. Bute helps to control pain and inflammation, which will allow the horse better rest and sleep. This in turn promotes healing from injuries sustained by the horse or from other negative stimuli sources such as environmental stressors or illness.

Question 3

How quickly does bute work?

Accepted Answer

Bute can be administered by either injection or as a powder or paste given by mouth. The fastest mode of action is by intravenous injection - as soon as the injection is given, the horse usually starts showing signs of improvement within minutes and may return to normal within 20-30 minutes after injection.

Question 4

Can bute cause colic?

Accepted Answer

The risk of giving bute to horses is that it can cause side effects. The most common side effect that occurs is ulceration of the intestines, which can lead to the development of colic symptoms. This is more likely to happen in horses that receive high doses of bute, or those on a long-term course for the treatment of chronic lameness problems.

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