If you have an equine athlete or just an occasionally ridden pleasure horse you probably have this basic horse care product around your barn. Phenylbutazone or by its common name Bute, is an economical and popular non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID). It can supply relief for horses for more than twenty four hours. It can be a god send for both the horseman and horse. There is however a down side when using Bute.

Common side effects seen with Bute toxicity can be dorsal colitis and oral ulcers. Dorsal colitis is a serious ulcerative inflammatory condition of the horse's colon. It can be a life threatening situation for the horse. Oral ulcers are lesions or open sores in the horse's mouth.

There are still other side effects associated with the use of this product we commonly find in the basic horse care medicine chests. Bute toxicity can cause low white blood cell counts, anemia and diarrhea. It can cause hemorrhages in the gastrointestinal tract and esophagus. Bute can also cause liver, kidney and intestinal diseases. If it does affect the kidney it may go undetected. In horses that are dehydrated, kidney failure can occur. Ultrasound is needed to identify the effect if any on the kidney.

Before administering Bute to a horse the heart rate, temperature, normal appearance, and breathing rate of the horse should be established. A horse should be examined by a veterinarian before using Phenylbutazone to minimize chances of reaction.

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