As someone who has never had the opportunity to administer medicine to a horse because I am not responsible for their medical care, I realized how little I actually knew about the subject and decided to take some time to educate myself. I hope this article helps anyone who struggles with this like me, or anyone that needs a quick reference. Because there are so many medicines available, I will provide information on the most commonly used ones that are USEF approved as I feel this will be most helpful.
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAID'S): reduce inflammation, control pain, control fever
phenylbutazone aka bute- available in pills, paste, paste. powder, or as injections. Inject only in the veins and is the most likely to cause ulcers when given in high doses
Flunixin megalumine aka Banamine- available in paste or injections, used for colic and muscle pain, takes 30-40 minutes to work, and like bute should only be given intravenously
natural anti-inflammatories- grape seed extract, devil's claw, yucca
Antibiotics: treat infections, best prescribed based on culture and sensitivity due to resistance, frequency of administration varies between types
Oral antibiotics
TMS, SMZ, Tucoprim, Uniprim- most commonly used antibiotics for horses, has the most issues with resistance but is inexpensive and has few side effects
Doxycycline- both anti-inflammatory and antibiotic, for tick-borne diseases and susceptible infections
Metronidazole- bitter, given rectally to avoid anorexia, used for infections caused by anaerobic bacteria,
Injectable Antibiotics
Gentamicin- used for gram negative bacteria (high resistance, no/thin cell wall), can give intravenously or in muscle, may sting
Ceftiofur (Naxcel)- expensive but has few side effects, used to treat gram positive bacterial infections (thick cell wall), and has broad spectrum coverage
Oxytetracycline- used for Lyme Disease and Antiplasmosis, given through IV
Antifungal and Antiprotozoal Medicines : treat fungal and protozoan bacteria infections
Griseofulvin- given orally as a powder
Ponazuril (Marquis)- used to treat EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)
Therapeutic Steroids
Dexamethazone - used for allergies (hives, heaves), anaphylactic reactions. severe inflammation, spinal or brain trauma. Injected in muscle or vein or given as powder
Triaminoclone (Kenalog, Vetalog)- used on joints and protects cartilage, given orally or by injection
Estrogen/Estradiol- used to treat locking stifles, given as injection
Anti-Ulcer Medications
Omepraxole (UlcerGard)- FDA approved, available in a compounded powder, given as a oral paste
Eye Medications - tubes look similar, so consult vet before use to ensure the right treatment is used
Triple Antibiotic: Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Bacitracin- used to treat corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis, available as ointment or drops
Hydrocortizone and dexamethazone- steroid ointment or drops used for uveitis or conjunctivitis
Atropine- available as ointment or drops, relieves pain associated with constricted pupil
Joint Support
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans – PSGAGs (Adequan®)- given in muscle for the joints, ligaments, and tendons, can also give in the artery together with a corticosteroid
Hyaluronic acid (Legend®, Hyalovet®, Hyvisc®, Hylartin V®)- given in the vein for the joints
Diuretics
Acetazolamide- used to treat hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and glaucoma
Furosemide (Lasix®, Salix®)- used to treat limb edema and congestive heart failure
Topical and Miscellaneous Drugs
Pergolide- comes in a powder, used to treat Cushing's Disease
Tiludronate (Tildren®)- prevents bone from self-destructing, used to treat navicular and similar diseases
Vitamin B-12- appetite stimulant
Zinc oxide- sunscreen, sooth irritated skin
Kopertox- thrush treatment
Dewormer Tips
Look at the chemical names as the brand names can be mixed up
When giving any kind of medication, always take temperature first, check the expiration date, and call your vet if you need help or you see changes in your horse, and always use them as instructed. Pills and powder can be crushed and added to feed, or dissolved in a syringe and given as a paste, When giving pastes, check that the dose tab is set so the whole tube is not given. Double check dosages before administering. When giving injections, always use a new needle and sterile syringe. Intravenous injections should only be given by a vet to avoid complications. Intramuscular injections can be given in the neck or hind leg. When giving eye medication, make sure not to touch the eye with the tip or applicator.
I hope this was a helpful reference and that you can use it to help you take better care of your horses! I know I certainly learned a lot writing this!
Until next time,
Bry
Sources
Images from Pixabay, Google, and Pexels