Equestrians expect a lot from our performance horses. But joint pain and inflammation can occur at any time, even right before a show or competition. Before administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it’s important to know the rules specific to your particular association or show.

These NSAIDs are typically used to treat conditions such as the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis. Most shows follow the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Rules, which outline specific guidelines in regard to NSAIDs. There are seven Food and Drug Administration-approved NSAIDs the USEF (and the American Quarter Horse Association) permits use of: diclofenac liposomal cream, firocoxib, phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, meclofenamic acid, and naproxen.

Some basics to know before treating your horse with an NSAID prior to competition:

• NSAIDs should only be administered to a horse or pony for a therapeutic purpose;
• There are specific administration guidelines for each NSAID that must be followed, which can be found in the USEF drug and medication rules; 
• Only one of the permitted NSAIDs can be used at a time;
• Whenever a permitted NSAID is administered, any additional permitted NSAIDs should not be administered during the three days prior to competing;
• NSAIDs that don’t appear on the permitted list must not be administered during the seven days prior to competing;
• The dose should be accurately calculated according to the actual weight of the animal; and
• Do not administer NSAIDs later than 12 hours prior to competitions.

In addition to giving the correct remedy, it’s important to give the correct dose. Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, manager of Merial’s Large Animal Veterinary Services, cautioned there are potential dangers when administering an NSAID