💊 Vet Warning 2025: GI Risks of NSAID Use in Horses—What Every Owner Should Know 🐴⚠️

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like bute, Banamine®, and Equioxx® are essential tools for managing pain and inflammation in horses. But recent research highlights new concerns: even short-term use can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, including colitis and intestinal inflammation. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains how NSAIDs affect the gut and how to use them more safely. 🧪🐎

💡 Why NSAIDs Are Common in Equine Medicine

NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by blocking enzymes involved in prostaglandin production. These include:

• 🩺 Phenylbutazone ("bute")
• 💉 Flunixin meglumine (Banamine®)
• 🌿 Firocoxib (Equioxx®) – a COX-2 selective NSAID

While effective, these medications may also impair the protective lining of the GI tract, especially when used long-term or at high doses. 🧠

🔬 New Research: GI Changes After Just 3 Days

In a study by Dr. Gaby van Galen, 22 horses were monitored at a university equine hospital. Some received NSAIDs, others did not. None were initially treated for GI issues. After only 3 days:

• ⚠️ 40% of NSAID-treated horses developed intestinal thickening in the upper right colon
• 💧 Edema (fluid buildup) indicated intestinal inflammation
• 📉 Signs included reduced appetite, loose stools, and mild colic symptoms

In contrast, none of the untreated horses showed any GI changes. 🧪

🧠 What This Means for Horse Owners

Even short-term NSAID use can cause mild, hidden colitis. While not always severe, these side effects can contribute to:

• 🔄 Decreased feed intake
• 💩 Loose stools or diarrhea
• 😞 Behavior changes or depression

This challenges the belief that NSAIDs are “safe” for routine or daily use in all horses. ❌

🩺 Monitoring and Minimizing NSAID Risks

• 📉 Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
• 🧪 Monitor for subtle signs like appetite changes or softer manure
• 📋 Avoid overlapping multiple NSAIDs
• 💊 Consider COX-2 selective options like Equioxx® for long-term use
• 🧼 Provide forage-first diets and consistent hydration to support gut health

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Tip

"If your horse is on bute or Banamine®, even for a few days, watch for signs of gut upset. These drugs are powerful—and so are their effects on the GI lining." 🐴💬

🚩 When to Call Your Vet

• ❌ Decreased appetite while on pain meds
• 💩 Loose stool or diarrhea
• 📉 Lethargy, weight loss, or recurring mild colic

These could be early signs of NSAID-related GI inflammation or colitis. 🧬

🔚 Final Thoughts: Use NSAIDs Wisely

NSAIDs remain a valuable part of equine care—but they are not risk-free. With recent studies showing GI inflammation even after a few days of use, it's more important than ever to use them with precision. Partner with your vet to find the safest, most effective pain management plan for your horse. 🐎❤️

Need help reviewing your horse’s medications? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for personalized equine pharmacology advice. 📱💊