While prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs has long been associated with gastrointestinal problems in horses, some newer NSAIDs on the market could have fewer adverse effects than older ones.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs impair the inflammatory process by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which are responsible for inflammatory responses in the body. There are two ‘subtypes’ of COX: COX-2 is primarily associated with inflammation while COX-1 is associated with ‘house keeping’ activities, including protection of the gastric mucosa (lining). While older NSAIDs are nonselective in targeting these enzymes, the newer ones target COX-2 and aim to spare COX-1 enzymes.

Researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia recently evaluated the effects of two NSAIDs (meloxicam, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, and phenylbutazone (bute), a nonselective inhibitor) on equine gastric mucosa

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