Bute & Banamine Singular Use at ESC Sanctioned Events
PALMETTO, FLA — The use of controlled medications at any ESC-sanctioned event requires a U.S. licensed veterinarian in the state where the competition occurs to diagnose, prescribe, and oversee the administration of treatment.
Bute and Banamine are two of the most popular yet misunderstood non-steroidal anti-inflammatory equine therapeutic medications. They are classified as controlled equine medications in all 50 U.S. states. Used alone, Bute or Banamine are strong pain management solutions, but they both utilize the same biological pathways to do very different pain management jobs. [1, 2]
Combining these medications does not provide materially more pain relief, as the horse’s system cannot absorb any more pathway traffic. Instead, immediate protein shedding begins in the gut and intestines of the horse. Many show horses already take Prilosec to manage GI tract issues, yet Prilosec extends NSAID half-lives (medication efficacy), further complicating everything.
A horse suddenly exhibiting acute laminitis or an eye abrasion will not benefit from combining Bute and Banamine. Bute targets bones and joints, while Banamine targets organs, severe colic, and eyes. If your horse has laminitis, eye scratches, and signs of colic, a trip to the clinic is probably in your future.
Phenylbutazone (Bute), developed chemically to address skeletal and muscular issues (including laminitis), also reduces inflammation. The ESC allows separate singular use with a full dose and a 12-hour withdrawal, or a half dose and a 6-hour withdrawal. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Banamine, developed chemically to target soft tissue and organs (including eyes and visceral colic), also reduces inflammation. The ESC allows separate singular use with a full dose and a 12-hour withdrawal, or a half dose and a 6-hour withdrawal.
A horse should never be given a full therapeutic dose of both Bute and Banamine at the same time.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
