okay so im making an equine first aid kit for a 4-h project and b/c im getting to where i want to have one if i ever need one, i want to include some bute but i was told it will expire, and u can only get it from a vet, i would like to know if there was some other thing that i could use instead, it would have to be nonrefrigeratable (if that makes sense lol) and a long expiration date and cheap. just let me know what u would suggest, thanks!
bute does indeed have a place in an equine first aid kit - as long as you know when it's appropriate to use it and when it's not. however, it can be difficult to get from a vet unless you own or lease a horse, though if it's legitimately for a 4-H project they may make an exception.
i'd recommend talking to a vet about appropriate use of bute and ask them instead of us about if there's another alternative. that's the best way to get an answer to your question.
The inflammatory response is absolutely essential to prevent infection, limit bleeding, and begin the healing process when an injury occurs, and you don't want to do anything to inhibit it, so you should never be giving antiinflammatories when a new injury occurs, aka in an emergency. When inflammation goes on too long it can become harmful, and then the vet may prescribe drugs like bute. But you should never arbitrarily give it without veterinary prescription, which is why it is not an otc drug. People think they know what they are doing and give drugs when it is harmful or inappropriate. Always consult with a vet before giving drugs like bute to your horse. You never need to give any drug before a vet has been consulted, and doing so can impair the vet's ability to make a diagnosis, or can interfere with healing of an injury.
Bute's pretty cheap (I pay ￡ 5 for a weeks supply) but you do need to get it from a vet as it's a controlled drug. They have a decent length shelf life - check the packet to be sure . My vets let me have some even if not needed at the moment so I have some for an emergeny and it's something I always have in my first aid drawer.
It is vital that bute is only ever purchased from the vet. I believe it is a legal requirement. You must never, ever give a horse a pain killer, human or otherwise without consulting the vet as the horse could have severe reactions to other pain killers, including paracetamol and aspirin which could result in death.
The vet will give you bute .. And if they won't have someone purchase it and then sell it to you.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
I would Suggest BL paste. Im not sure if it expires, but I keep that & bute on hand. BL paste is in other words 'bute less' paste.
http://horses.about.com/od/basiccare/tp/... I disagree with bute not being needed in emergencies. When my horses have an injury, I bute them because it brings down inflamation .. I keep it on hand at all times.
You cannot or at least in UK get Bute any longer . There is another similar anti inflamatory available at around 80p per sachet.
Bute isn't something you need in an emergency first aid kit.
You need stuff to stop bleeding and other EMERGENCIES.
If you don't have a horse, the vet will not give you bute.
