Think Before You Medicate Your Horse

Here’s why it’s important to reach out to your veterinarian before administering an NSAID to your horse.
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Your horse is lame. Right before a competition. Again.

Equine lameness often seems to happen at the most inopportune times, and it’s one of the main reasons for removing a horse from athletic activity. When lameness appears, horse owners are often quick to reach for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In fact, a survey found 82% of horse owners use NSAIDs without consulting their veterinarian. But that might not be the smartest move.

“It’s important for horse owners to consult their veterinarian before giving an NSAID,” said Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, senior manager of Merial’s Large Animal Veterinary Services. “The best option—and the shortest path back to soundness—may be a medication, treatment, or protocol the horse owner hasn’t considered.

“In addition, no medication is without risks,” he continued. “Your veterinarian is the best person to help you monitor your horse’s health for potential side effects or lack of efficacy. Keeping your veterinarian involved, even if it’s just informing them of your treatment decision, will provide them with important information in the future if the issue comes up again

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