In a recent survey, 96% of respondents said they used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the joint pain and inflammation in horses, and 82% administer them without always consulting their veterinarian. More than 1,400 horse owners and trainers were surveyed to better understand attitudes toward NSAIDs, in a project sponsored by Merial, the maker of Equioxx (firocoxib).

“The survey results gave us credible and valuable information about horse owners’ use and knowledge regarding the most common NSAIDs available today,” said Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, director of Veterinary Services at Merial. “We gleaned new, interesting information about the reasons horse owners administer NSAIDs, their concerns, and their experiences with the different NSAID medications.”

Survey participants included members and competitors across disciplines and breed organizations, including the American Quarter Horse Association, Palomino Horse Breeders of America, and United States Eventing Association.

With so many horse owners and trainers using NSAIDs, it’s important to keep in mind the risks associated and evaluate the options available, Hurtig said