Herbalists, who consider them
far too dangerous), and
Methatrexate a chemotherapy
agent sometimes used for arthritis
treatment.
Routine usage of chemical medicines
is almost always detrimental to
long-term health prospects. This
applies even to so called safe
medications like Aspirin and it
applies much more to stronger ones
like Phenylbutazone. This drug
while very widely used, can in some
cases and even in small doses, cause
ulceration of the digestive
tract and severe scouring
which mostly results in
death.
Inflammation and
Pain are both part
of the natural
healing process.
Inflammation and
Swelling bring
fluids to cushion
a damaged area
and aid in the
healing process
and pain will
stop us causing
further damage
by continued use.
When we are in pain
we are meant to
rest, not to continue
with the activity,
which resulted in pain.
This brings us to the
argument as to whether Bute is
dangerous to health and/or can mask
pain sufficiently to allow your horse
to continue work to the detriment
of its long-term well being. This
obviously varies in individual cases,
sensitivities and dose levels. In turn
this suggests that Professional Vets
are those best equipped to make
these decisions and
control administration.
Unfortunately despite
manufacturers
recommendations to
the contrary, mostly
individual owners
administer their own
Bute, whether prescribed
or obtained outside of
the prescription system. Most,
but not all, phenylbutazone
toxicity deaths and injury come
as a complete surprise and do not
result from massive overdoses, but
just ignorance, careless dosing or
individual sensitivity.
Happily, as a Herbalist, I can
prescribe combinations of Antiinflammatory herbs, which reduce
inflammation and pain, have no
side effects, do not swab test and
do not mask pain to the extent that
the horse will continue with any
level of work, which will cause long
term damage to the injured area.
In fact I can go further, and include
ingredients that reduce shock,
promote healing and clear the blood
of toxic residues resulting from or
involved in the pain process.
Helpful herbs:
White Willow Bark, Devils Claw,
Guaiacum, Burdock, Rosehips,
Nettle, Equisetum and Comfrey.
Do not attempt to mix these up
yourself as there are some cautions
with Devils Claw, Comfrey and
Guaiacum for example but in the
proper proportions you have a
safe, healing, anti-inflammatory
treatment, which will support your
horses healing, while making it more
comfortable and may even allow
you to safely continue to work it in
competition.
This sort of approach should always
be the first choice for preventative
treatment, management and
first aid. Bute should be reserved
for emergencies where pain and
inflammation must be reduced as
a matter of urgency and the risks
associated with its use can therefore
be justified. As with the herbs, the
decisions as to treatment programs
and dose levels in emergencies
should be left to the professionals.
With this approach the question
of allowable levels of Bute in
competition horses would not arise.
Other more exotic and dangerous
procedures like administering
Chemotherapy agents, Pin Firing or
injecting Gold, Steroids or Sharks
Cartilage into joints should never
be inflicted upon animals. This
sort of practice should be left to
the Charlatans in human medicine
(alternate and orthodox), where at
least the patient is involved in the
choice.
I am happy to give specific advice on
individual cases over the Internet or
by telephone or fax. The formulation
I call Anti-Inflammatory/Healer,
which is made up fro H H\