Phenylbutazone for Horses

Phenylbutazone, often simply called "bute," is a prescription medication with many uses in horses. It is likely your horse will need some amount of phenylbutazone in his lifetime.

  1. What It Is

    • Phenylbutazone is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) available to horses.

    What It Does

    • As an NSAID, phenylbutazone prevents the enzyme cyclooxygenase from creating prostaglandin and thromboxane. These two chemicals help inflammation develop.

    Benefits

    • Without the two chemicals listed above, your horse will not have as much swelling, pain, fever and blood clotting as he would without the help of the phenylbutazone.

    Possible Problems

    • Using phenylbutazone too much can create stomach ulcers and kidney damage in your horse. You can prevent the stomach ulcers by keeping doses to the minimum amount necessary and kidney damage by making sure your horse is drinking plenty of water before giving him phenylbutazone.

    Arthritis

    • For a horse with some arthritis in his joints, your veterinarian may prescribe phenylbutazone for you to give when your horse seems stiff or sore after particularly stressful training.