Vets use these medications judiciously because their benefits can outweigh their potential adverse effects if not used appropriately. Excessive use of drugs can cause the following adverse effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Injection Site Reactions <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Incorrect or unsterile administration of medication can lead to severe cases of infection under the skin or into the musculature. This can sometimes lead to severe or life-threatening tissue death that takes months of intensive care and a lot of financial input to rectify. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jugular thrombosis is also a big concern when IV injections are incorrectly or unhygienically administered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gastrointestinal Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gastric ulceration or dorsal colitis are significant concerns when NSAIDs like Danilon, a type of phenylbutazone, are overused. The incorrect COX pathway can sometimes be inhibited, resulting in gastric ulcerations, so it is imperative to monitor your horse for any signs of gastric ulcers. They can also cause oral ulcers on the tongue or lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signs to watch out for are colic signs or inappetence. To avoid GIT issues, short-term courses of NSAIDs as well GIT protectants should be used as well. Gastric ulcers result in protein loss, and if your horse begins to show signs of ulcers like a pasty diarrhea, total blood protein tests will be a good indicator of potential adverse effects from NSAID use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kidney Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inappropriate NSAID use can include overuse, overdose, or administration to a dehydrated horse, resulting in kidney damage. Always consult your vet before using NSAIDs to avoid any adverse effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Importance of Equine Pain Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The diagnosis of the underlying problem is critical when it comes to managing and treating pain in horses. Quality of life is significantly affected when a horse is in pain, so it is essential to regularly monitor any new or chronic abnormalities and determine if your horse is in any pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pain management in horses will depend on several factors, namely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Duration <\/li>
- Type and<\/li>
- Severity <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The question of whether to pill or not to pill your horse should always be discussed with your veterinarian so that the most appropriate steps are taken to offer fast and effective relief. Pain has a negative impact on behavior, performance, and overall welfare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signs That Your Horse is in Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Horses can sometimes be quite stoic as an inbuilt survival mechanism, so it is vital to have measures in place to monitor your horse daily for signs of pain or discomfort. Subtle or non-specific manifestations of pain can include the following changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behavioral Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As an owner, you know your horse best, but trusted stable managers or grooms could also start noticing behavioral changes that indicate pain. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Lethargy or depression<\/li>
- Aggression, restlessness, agitation, or nervousness <\/li>
- Headshaking<\/li>
- Decreased interest in surroundings or becoming withdrawn<\/li>
- Rolling <\/li>
- Vocalization or groaning<\/li>
- Decreased or no appetite <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"sad](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sad-horse.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPostural or Facial Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Horses have normal and comfortable positions as well as regular gaits, but should they start with the following signs, they could be in some discomfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Arched back, lowered head, altered stance.<\/li>
- Kicking or looking at their flank, stretching excessively, constant weight shifting, pawing, reluctance to move or stand. <\/li>
- Clenched jaw, vacant stare, or flared nostrils.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Clinically Obvious Signs of Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These overt signs of pain can help you or your vet determine what the underlying issue is if you know what you’re looking for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lameness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Intermittent or non-weight-bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ocular pan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Teary eyes with discharge, refusing to open the eye, or increased sensitivity to light and only partially opened lids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Teary](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Teary-eyes-horse.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDental pain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Inappetance, chewing abnormalities or dropped food, head tilt or swelling, and increased head shaking or nodding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noticing a horse’s pain is the first step in pain management, so be sure to carefully monitor and interpret pain-related behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 Over-The-Counter Painkillers for Horses That Are Safe to Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should a veterinarian not be available and you feel your horse is uncomfortable – there are a few options for over-the-counter drugs. Still, the side effects can be complex or unpredictable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always offer full disclosure of any medication administered to ensure your veterinarian gains full insight into possible underlying symptoms, which could now be masked by medication or possible future adverse drug effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ibuprofen<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Ibuprofen is an NSAID available over the counter, but USEF has not yet approved it for use in horses. It can be used to alleviate inflammation, but the incorrect dose can cause harmful GIT adverse effects. However, vets can prescribe ibuprofen for off-label use under specific conditions like tendon injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ibuprofen is a prohibited substance in competing horses, and its metabolic clearance time is unpredictable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Aspirin<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Aspirin is regularly used to alleviate pain and fever. It is also often used in laminitic and hypercoagulable disorders like septicemia. Chronic use may result in GIT adverse effects. Aspirin is also used off-label as it has not yet gained USED for FDA approva<\/a>l.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aspirin affects coagulation, so avoid this drug at least two weeks before any major surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Paracetamol (Tylenol)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Paracetamol in equines is not a strong painkiller, but it does act synergistically with other pain medication to alleviate inflammation, especially in laminitis. Unfortunately, no licensed product is available for horses, but if you consult your veterinarian, they can guide you on what formulations can be adapted for your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Celecoxib<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently used to treat arthritis in humans with minimal gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs. TIt can be administered to horses as a short-term pain adjunctive therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Celecoxib<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Paracetamol (Tylenol)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Aspirin<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Ibuprofen<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"Physiotherapy](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Physiotherapy-for-a-horse.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n