Bute is a medication given to horses as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used drugs for horses. Some horses require just a short course of bute for a few days, whilst others remain on it for the long-term management of chronic musculoskeletal problems.
The dosage of bute can be varied, depending on the size of the horse, weight and age. The dosage is usually 0.35-0.5 mg per kilogram of weight for a one-time dose or a daily dose of up to 1 mg/kg body weight per day.
Bute is a prescription-only medication, and should only be given to a horse if prescribed by a veterinarian. This means your vet will decide how long it is safe and necessary to give bute to your horse, minimizing the risk of any potential side effects.