Equine Steroid Therapy

When it comes to equine steroid therapy, treatments come in two classifications: anabolic and corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids will help to build muscle mass in your horse while the latter can help its joints heal. When administering any type of steroids, be sure to check with your veterinarian first and never exceed the amount of medication recommended.

  1. Anabolic Steroids

    • Anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis in the body which build muscle mass. In equine sports, these are often used for increased strength, increased appetite and weight gain. These specific steroids include Equipose, Vebonol (boldenone) and Winstrol-V (stanozolol).

      The use of anabolic steroids in equine sports can be both a positive and negative action. In the summer of 2008, Kentucky horse racing officials set out to place a ban on anabolic steroids. According to an Associated Press article posted August 14 on the USA Today web site, a horse by the name of Big Brown had been given steroids winning him the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Big Brown's trainer allegedly said he gave his horses, including Big Brown, regular doses of stanozolol to brighten the horse's coat and increase his appetite.

      Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Ball, suggests using anabolic steroids in horses carefully and with ethical boundaries. Side affects can include making your horse overly hyper which in turn can be dangerous to humans. Liver disease can also develop from giving your horse anabolic steroids.

    Corticosteriod Therapy

    • Intra-articular corticosteriods in equine activity has been used to help with swelling and inflammation in the joints of horses. They are injected into the horse or are applied topically. According to Ball, the use of corticosteroids has bad affects when given in a high dosage and where inflammation is not prevalent. Horses should not go back to work after the affects of therapy are seen as this can defeat the purpose of the treatment. Proper rest of your horse should be taken so the joints have time to return to normal.

      When using these steroids, use a low dosage and for a short periods of time. Monitor your horse for signs of infection. According to Ball, these steroids have been known to suppress a horse's immune system. Your horse might be predisposed to chronic infection including lung and sinus ailments. Take your horse's temperature on a daily basis and watch for sore feet and lameness as taking corticosteroids can affect the blood supply to your horse's feet.