Tuesday, April 5, 2016

An Introduction To Equine Pain Relief & Anti-inflammatory Remedies

By Anthony Johnson


There is a wide range of different remedies that are available for horses. There is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing equine pain relief & anti-inflammatory products.

The different types which are available include agonist remedies and anti-inflammatory drugs. There has been a vast amount of research carried out over the past few years and this research has been carried out by veterinary professionals. Veterinary professionals have a vast amount of experience using the the various different types of painkillers and this has given them a good idea of what works the best.

In 2011 there was a presentation delivered at the University of Colorado State in Las Vegas. The presentation was given at the Western Veterinary Conference and involved a vast discussion regarding the different types of pain relief which are available for horses.

Non steroid anti-inflammatories have been used as painkillers for horse for a number of years. The most common drugs that are used from this category are flunixin meglumie and phenylbutazone. Both of these drugs have been used successfully for a number of years and they are commonly used as treatment for gastrointestinal pains, eye pain and musculoskeletal pain. There is some veterinary professionals who will also use carprofen and ketoprofen.

Some of the research that has been carried out recently shows that topically administered non steroid drugs can be used for treating localised pain and inflammation without nay side effects. Seventy four per cent of horses which were treated with this medication have had a significant increase in mobility and a decrease in the level of lameness.

Drugs are classified into different groups however each of the drugs are still very different in their ingredients. All drugs are made using a unique chemical compound therefore no medicines are the same despite the fact that they may be in the same group. Each of the drugs will also have its own level when it will become toxic. Toxicity tends to result when horses are given too much of a drug and this can lead to liver problems, kidney problems and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Horses who are undergoing neonatal care tend to be more likely to suffer the unwanted side effects.

Another classification for drugs is the opioids, although this class will not necessary have an analgesic action on the horse. Research has found that there is mixed reviews about the efficacy that these drugs have had on horses. Veterinary professionals often use opioid drugs such as butorphanol and morphine as well as sedatives and tranquillisers. These drugs are thought to be most useful when you are working around the hind legs as this seems to minimise the risk of the horse kicking.

Some research has shown that this type of drug can be used as a painkiller over a short period of time. These drugs are not suitable for using over a long period of time as they can lead to a number of problems including arousal and gastrointestinal stasis. Research has found that these drugs will work best when they get given epidurally and they will start to work within about twenty minutes.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment