How does Bute work?

[Star the Fell]

is it like our pain killers in that it starts working after 20 minutes or so and then wears off? Or do you need to build it up gradually and get a supply into the body for it to start working?
Not sure if I explained that very well, it’s just something a vet said to me once which I didn’t query at the time, about having ‘to get Bute in her system’

 

[MrC]

You have to high dose for a few days (usually double) then go onto maintenance, just lik most supplements

 

[carthorse]

As I understand it will start to work fairly quickly & a dose should last about 24 hours, though it will be having less effect by then. I think, but don't rely on it, that it takes 7 days for it not to show in a dope test though the benefit would be gone long before then. Like our anti-inflammatories it will be more effective if taken regularly because that way the inflammation stays damped down rather than an inflamed area getting more & more irritated.

 

[Jessey]

Yep as it's an anti inflammatory (NASID) it starts to work quickly but it's effect is accumulative so regular use is more effective than a one off dose, similar perhaps to ibuprofen. It only reduces pain if inflammation is the cause of the pain. It's not actually a pain killer (in that it doesn't block pain receptors).

 

[Star the Fell]

Brill. Thanks for the quick replies. Star came in hopping lame on Thursday. I only had one Bute at the yard so split it between tea and breakfast. Gave her one Bute for tea on Friday night and she was a lot better this morning. Will keep her on one morning and night for the next few days, then start to reduce again.