Side Effects of NSAIDs - BUTE

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are used to treat pain and inflammation. The most common NSAIDs used on horses is phenylbutazone or bute. All too often horses are over treated with this drug which is not without side effects. Research has shown that bute causes bowel wall inflammation and stomach ulcers. The most common side effect is mouth ulcerations and GI tract ulcerations. Other side effects are renal damage, bleeding disorders, bone marrow suppression and protein loss.

The body's natural response to injury or infection is inflammation. It is the way the immune system responds to provide an environment around the injury that will protect and repair the injured tissues. Due to this natural response of the immune system, pain and stiffness results. Inflammation therefore has a purpose in the healing process. Bute works by inhibiting a class of enzymes called cyclo-oxygenases also known as COX. These enzymes are needed for normal kidney function and also for the secretion of the protective lining of the intestinal tract and the production of blood cells. COX enzymes are needed not only for these normal functions but also for the normal healing of tissues after injuries.

High doses of bute over a period of time will result in ulcerations of the stomach and GI tract and kidney damage. Recent research has shown that bute slows the production of joint cartilage and bone healing and interferes with normal thyroid function.

There are herbal remedies and enzymes that work without side effects to offer pain relief and assist the body in the healing process. More companies are aware of this need and offer some very effective alternatives such as NoBute, devil's claw, boswellia, white willow bark, tumeric and bromelain in combination with other nutrients to provide relief and comfort during the healing process. These are effective and safe for long term use as an alternative to bute.