By Roland
Flunixin for horses is one of the common drugs in the care takers’ first aid kits. This vet product helps reduce inflammation caused due to various health conditions like colic. Many vets would prescribe this product for animals for usages in case of emergencies. Health experts are raising concern about inappropriate use, which confuse many caretakers. If caretakers wish to continue this fantastic drug, they need to understand how this magical drug works and the side effects caused due to improper use.
Experts define flunixin meglumine injection veterinary as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. This potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug works by boosting the body’s inflammatory response. One should understand the body response is highly dependent on the dose. The bloodstream in the animal body absorbs the ingredients of this anti-inflammatory drug, thereby providing relief from pain, and fever within one to two hours.
What is flunixin dosage for horses?
Dosage
Caretakers should be careful while administering the drug. They should never feel that more is better while administering flunixin dosage for horses, for both amount and frequency. Experts suggest that the ideal dosage is 2.2 mg/lb, meaning a one thousand pound horse would need a maximum of 500 mg of the drug at a time. Understanding the concentration f the product is critical for calculating the dosage.
Most flunixin meglumine manufacturers provide information on the labels. It helps the caretaker to find the exact dosage, which is crucial for administering.
Frequency
Health experts suggest that flunixin dosage should never be repeated with a time gap of fewer than twelve hours unless the vet expert asks for it. The effect of this drug lasts for twelve hours; not repeating the drug in this time gap would eliminate the chances of toxicity and other side effects.
Most horse owners commit a common mistake, especially for horses that show colic symptoms. If a horse is still in a painful condition even after proper dosage, an additional dosage would be ineffective and cause toxicity. If the pain is persistent even after administering the drug and within twelve hours, it would be ideal to consult a vet.
Potential Side Effects
Almost every drug has one or the other side effects. The equine caretaker needs to discuss with the vet the side effects. The most common after-effects of the Flunixin are
- Ulcers of the stomach and large colon are mainly the effects of the prolonged oral treatment.
- Rare cases of kidney damage and bleeding disorders, which could be if the animal is dehydrated.
- If the injection is given in the muscle, the animal could experience pain at the site, swelling, and muscle inflammation.
Caretakers should administer this beneficial drug with caution in Pregnant and nursing mare. Older horses and horses with decreased kidney or liver functions may show severe signs of other side effects.
One should note that a single miscalculated dosage would not lead to toxicity. Repeated overdosage could cause a life-threatening condition. If one suspects overdosage, visiting the vet hospital is an action that one should perform immediately.
Flunixin Meglumine for Cattle
Vet experts suggest Flunixin Meglumine for Cattle if the animal shows pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease. It also helps in reducing inflammation caused due to health conditions like endotoxemia and acute bovine mastitis.
The ideal flunixin meglumine dosage for cattle is:
- For pyrexia and endotoxemia: 1 to 2 ml for 100 lbs
- For acute bovine mastitis: 2 ml for 100 lbs
Health experts suggest following proper storage techniques or the expected function of the drug. Different strengths or dosage would need variant storage requirements. People need to strictly follow the storage suggestions given on the pack (as suggested by the vet product manufacturer).
