Should i still give my horse bute if i have started her on devils claw supplement?

Question

my horse is 11years old and she has developed hock arthritis, my vet said to just give her a bute before i ride her. i want to try devils claw every day but i dont want her to be in pain when i take her riding, so should i still give her1 tablet bute before i ride her? is bute bad to give a horse?

Answer 1

It is my understanding that the two should not be given together.  I would opt for the DC before the bute.  Your horse will suffer from the side effects if you give her bute on a daily basis.  It causes organ damage that is irreversible as well as stomach and intestinal irritation problems.  If she is not in a lot of pain, riding her will be good for her but you should do an extended warm up with her and not ask her to do demanding tasks like jumping, cross country, running in circles (just examples - you didn't mention what you do with her).  She is really young to have such a severe level of arthritis.  Sorry to hear it.  Good luck.

Answer 2

No, giving too much of almost the same product for the same condition could make it worse, damage something else on your horse which could be liver or other organs as bute is very harmful to horses or could cancel eachother out in what they are suppose to help fix or keep from being painful. Believe me it happens for humans and can happen to horses too.

Answer 3

The good news is those are not our only two choices anymore! I just read that there is a new alternative to bute called Equioxx/Firocoxib that was specifically tested in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. It is just as effective as bute  with less side effects. "Firocoxib is a COX-2 Inhibitor, maining it acts on a specific set of inflammatory proteins (COX-2) but has little or no effect on COX-1 enzymes, which facilitate production of prostaglandins that protect the gastric and intestinal musosa and maintain kidney function."

I have used Devils Claw with some success. They bute is better but I was told because they are both anti-inflammatories they should not be used together. This new Equioxx is just what my poor mare needs. She has arthritis in her hocks! :~)

Answer 4

given alot it can cause liver or kidney problems. If possible I don't my horse any bute because of that reason.

I'd say find a good arthritis supplement and see. If the hock arthritis is really bad I wouldn't suggest riding her at all. Bute only covers the pain...it doens't protect from damage that arthritis can do....which in turn can make the arthritis worse