Phenylbutazone for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
Phenylbutazone (“bute”) is a pyrazolone NSAID available as tablets, paste, gel and injection [1]. In horses the Equipalazone label gives 8.8 mg/kg on day 1, 4.4 mg/kg a day for four days, then 2.2 mg/kg a day or on alternate days [2]; treated horses may never be slaughtered for food [2].
- Drug class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, pyrazolone)
- Sourced doses for
- Horses, Dogs
- Brands on this site
- Equipalazone
Phenylbutazone dose calculator
Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.
Phenylbutazone dose by species
| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | Day 1 Equipalazone: two 1 g sachets twice on day 1 for a 450 kg horse. | 8.8 mg/kg[2] | PO | Split in two doses | Label |
| Horses | Days 2–5 | 4.4 mg/kg[2] | PO | Split in two doses · 4 days | Label |
| Horses | Maintenance Stop if no response after 4–5 days. | 2.2 mg/kg[2] | PO | Once daily or on alternate days | Label |
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation | 3–7 mg/kg[1] | PO | Every 8 hours | Reference |
What phenylbutazone is used for
How phenylbutazone works (mechanism of action)
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
Brands that contain phenylbutazone
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipalazone | Dechra | Phenylbutazone | United Kingdom |
Frequently asked questions
Can horses treated with bute go for meat?
No — the Equipalazone SPC says treated horses may never be slaughtered for human consumption [2].
References
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals
Passage read from this source
phenylbutazone (PBZ) is a pyrazolone derivative available in tablet, paste, gel, and parenteral formulations
PBZ dosages of 3–7 mg/kg, PO, every 8 hours, are recommended in dogs.
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
- Equipalazone 1 g oral powder for horses and ponies — SPC
Passage read from this source
(equivalent to 8.8 mg/kg/day) followed by the contents of one sachet twice daily for four days (4.4 mg/kg/day)
then one sachet daily, or on alternate days, sufficient to keep the horse comfortable (2.2 mg/kg/day).
Discontinue treatment if no response is evident after four to five days treatment.
The therapeutic index of phenylbutazone is low.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.