Griseofulvin for Horses Vet Guide 2025: Antifungal Use, Dosing & Safety 🐎🩺
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🩺 Griseofulvin for Horses Vet Guide 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston
Welcome to this comprehensive veterinary overview on the antifungal medication Griseofulvin, tailored for horse owners and written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Learn how it’s used to treat skin infections, recommended dosages, side effects, monitoring protocols, and safety guidelines to ensure your horse recovers smoothly and safely. 🐴💊
1. What Is Griseofulvin?
Griseofulvin is a systemic antifungal agent taken orally, targeting dermatophyte infections such as ringworm, rain rot, and other superficial skin fungal diseases in horses :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Approved by the FDA for equine use, it works by inhibiting fungal growth rather than directly killing the organism :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
2. How It Works
- It binds to keratin precursors, delivering medication to hair/skin follicles.
- Disrupts microtubule formation, preventing fungal division—fungistatic, not fungicidal :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Effect depends on shedding of infected tissues; treatment typically lasts several weeks :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
3. Why Use Griseofulvin for Horses
Though other antifungals exist, griseofulvin is still effective, especially for dermatophytes like Microsporum and Trichophyton :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
It may also be used off‑label for rain rot when warranted :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
4. Dosing & Duration
According to veterinary guidelines:
- Standard dose: 5–10 mg/kg orally once daily (≈2.5 g per 500 kg horse) for 3–6 weeks; extend if needed :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Foals: Up to 15 mg/kg/day for 2–4 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Some practitioners use a single 25 g dose via nasogastric tube, especially in outbreak situations :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Best absorption occurs when given with fatty feed :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
5. Administration Tips
- Combine with oil or pâté to improve palatability.
- If using powder, mix with docusate sodium solution to aid suspension :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Use paste or compounded forms if tablets are refused :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Wear gloves to avoid exposure—teratogenic risks for humans :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
6. Monitoring & Side Effects
While horses typically tolerate griseofulvin well, side effects may include:
- Reduced appetite, diarrhea, depression :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Liver irritation—rare but monitor in pre-existing cases.
- Photosensitivity; use shade or sunscreen on affected areas :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Lab monitoring—CBC and liver panels every few weeks—especially for long‑term use :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
7. Contraindications & Interactions
- Not for pregnant, breeding, or nursing mares—may cause birth defects :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
- Avoid in animals with liver dysfunction.
- Induces cytochrome P450—may reduce efficacy of drugs like phenobarbital, warfarin, theophylline :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
8. Safety & Human Precautions
Griseofulvin can be absorbed by skin—wear gloves, especially for pregnant women. Store securely away from children :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
9. Complementary Care
- Disinfect all tack, brushes, stalls to prevent reinfection.
- Topical antifungals (miconazole, lime sulfur) are useful adjuncts.
- Isolate infected horses until lesions resolve to prevent spread.
10. Practical Dosing Table
| Horse Weight | Daily Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kg | 2.5–5 g | 3–6 weeks |
| Foal (200 kg) | 3–4.5 g | 2–4 weeks |
| Outbreak single-dose | 25 g nasogastric | One dose |
11. Questions Owners Ask
Is it curative?
It controls fungal growth—success relies on shedding infected tissue over weeks :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
Can it be used topically?
No—systemic absorption is required; topical use is ineffective :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
What if my horse has liver disease?
Avoid or use with caution—liver metabolizes drug; monitor enzymes closely :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
12. Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indications | Dermatophyte/fungal skin infections, ringworm, rain rot |
| Route | Oral only—tablets, powder, paste |
| Dose | 5–10 mg/kg once daily |
| Duration | 3–6 weeks (up to 12 if needed) |
| Side Effects | GI upset, liver strain, photosensitivity |
| Contraindications | Pregnant, lactating, liver disease, drug interactions |
13. Final Thoughts 🐴
Griseofulvin remains a valuable tool against fungal skin infections in horses. With proper dosing, monitoring, and supportive care—your horse can recover fully. As always, work with your veterinarian to tailor treatment and ensure safety.
For personalized treatment plans, monitoring protocols, or antifungal strategies, our **Ask A Vet** team is here to help. Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 veterinary support, tailored care plans, and ongoing guidance to ensure your horse’s skin health and well-being. 🌟
