# Diclofenac for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> In veterinary medicine diclofenac is used as a 1% topical cream for joint osteoarthritis in horses (Surpass), applied twice a day for up to ten days. India removed diclofenac from veterinary practice…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/diclofenac/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

In veterinary medicine diclofenac is used as a 1% topical cream for joint osteoarthritis in horses (Surpass), applied twice a day for up to ten days [1]. India removed diclofenac from veterinary practice in 2006 to protect vultures [2].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Brands: Surpass

## Dose by species

## Uses

- Horses: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis in the hock, knee, fetlock and pastern joints — topical cream [1].

## Mechanism of action

Diclofenac is an NSAID; NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) [3].

## Safety

- India: diclofenac was removed from veterinary practice in 2006 because it is lethal to vultures [2].
- Wear gloves when applying the cream [1].
- Do not use Surpass in horses intended for human consumption [1].


## Frequently asked questions

### Is veterinary diclofenac allowed in India?

No — it was removed from veterinary practice in India in 2006 to protect vultures [2].

## References

[1] SURPASS (1% diclofenac sodium) topical cream — FDA labeling — Animal Drugs @ FDA — US label, Boehringer Ingelheim (2026). https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadLabeling/582
[2] Bans on two more veterinary drugs linked to vulture deaths in India — BirdLife International (news, Sep 2023) (2023). https://www.birdlife.org/news/2023/09/01/bans-on-two-more-veterinary-drugs-linked-to-vulture-deaths-in-india/
[3] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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