Bute, Firocoxib Compared for Alleviating Hoof Lameness

While Bute was more effective than firocoxib at alleviating hoof pain at label dose, Foreman noted that new dosing recommendations for the latter drug could impact those results.
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The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) firocoxib hit the market in 2007 and has since gained popularity due to its propensity to cause fewer side effects than its counterpart, phenylbutazone (commonly known as Bute, or PBZ). But how do the two compare at alleviating lameness in horses?

A research team from the University of Illinois recently set out to answer that question, and shared their findings at the 2014 International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology, held June 16-20 in Chester, U.K.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the body's inflammatory responses. There are two "subtypes" of COX: COX-2 is primarily associated with inflammation, while COX-1 is associated with normal day-to-day processes such as protecting the gastric mucosa (lining). While traditional NSAIDs, like PBZ, block both COX-1 and -2, some newer ones—like firocoxib—are designed to target the inflammation associated with COX-2 while sparing the COX-1 enzymes.

Jonathan H. Foreman, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of veterinary clinical medicine at the school's College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and colleagues set out to test their hypothesis that intravenous (IV) firocoxib at label dose and PBZ had comparable efficacies and that both would be effective in alleviating lameness caused by foot pain

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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