Medication can help your horse, but using it too much or when not needed can cause harm.
“Quite simply, medicine is not the cure for all ills. In fact, it’s not only not the cure for all ills, in many cases, it’s not even the best cure for those ills.” – Dr. Ramey
In this guide, we’ll offer some examples to make you reconsider giving medicine to your horse.
- Deworming
- Antibiotics
- Ulcer medication
- Joint Problems
- Unproven medicine
DEWORMING
For decades, horse owners have been urged to regularly deworm their horses based on arbitrary schedules and products. Parasites are unpleasant, but horses have coexisted with them for years at some level. They even develop natural immunity to some parasites.
Overuse of dewormers has led to resistant parasites.
Instead of routine deworming, test your horse and treat only if necessary. This approach saves money and reduces parasite resistance.
ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections. But may be useless against viral diseases like equine influenza. Overusing antibiotics for every fever or minor scrape has led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It makes treatment difficult when a bacterial infection does occur.
If your horse has symptoms like a snotty nose and fever, consult a vet and use antibiotics only when necessary to ensure they remain effective for serious infections.
ULCER MEDICATION
It’s worth considering less expensive and equally effective treatments before resorting to medication. Options include feeding legume hay, providing small frequent meals, using slow feeders, avoiding grain concentrates, and reducing stress by giving time off from competition.
Additionally, ulcer medication can have side effects like increased stomach acid post-treatment, changes in intestinal bacteria, drug interactions, and increased fracture risk.
Scoping a horse for ulcers is straightforward and affordable. The main point is to give medication only when needed and try alternative treatments first.
JOINT PROBLEMS
Injecting medicine into healthy joints isn’t common in human or animal medicine. But it’s often recommended for horses in athletic competitions for joint “maintenance.”
Unlike professional athletes, who would certainly use such treatments if they were beneficial, horses are subjected to regular joint injections without solid evidence of their effectiveness.
The best ways to maintain a horse’s joint health are regular movement and plenty of rest and recovery. As well as recognizing that no medicine can prevent arthritis. Regular exercise and natural healing are much more effective than routine medical treatments.
UNPROVEN MEDICINE
This applies not only to supplements, which often claim vague benefits, but also to pharmaceuticals and biologic products. Many medicines and supplements have been discarded over time.
Always ask for proof of efficacy before spending money on these products. Horses are already costly enough.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it’s important to avoid giving your horse unnecessary medication. Focus on proven treatments and natural care methods. And always seek evidence of effectiveness before administering any supplement or drug. This approach not only saves money but also ensures the best care for your horse.
Reference:
If Your Horse Doesn’t Need Medicine, Don’t Give Him Medicine – David Ramey, DVM
Further information:
Four Essential Keys to Keeping Horses Healthy & Happy
Debbie is the founder of My Horse Supplies. She has had a lifelong love affair with horses. She currently runs an agistment centre, as well as caring for nearly 20 of her own horses.