Can dexamethasone be given to horses
Dexamethasone is most commonly given to humans for the purpose of skin inflammation and infection, though it can also be used in veterinary care. Dexamethasone for horses can be used by a veterinarian for a wide range of health problems.It can be used for such things as:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Insect sensitivity
- Eye and ear infections
- Rashes
- Rheumatoid arthritis and more……
It depends on what your horse has in terms of how you are going to use Dexamethasone for horses. The good news is that it is available in several different formats. Your vet may issue it to you as a topical medication, which is in the form of a cream or ointment. It may also be as an injection or even as an oral tablet for your horse to chew with food.
How much dosage of dexamethasone for horses is given?
The medication dosage is based on weight. Obviously a 400 pound horse is going to need more medicine than a 100 pound pony. This means that the vet is going to weigh your horse and then make a determination. The percentage can be as high as 0.7%, which is stronger than what is prescribed to humans.
The injections and the tablets are self-explanatory in terms of how you administer them. You will want to follow vet instructions and if it is an injection, make sure you are injecting at the site of the inflammation.
As for the topical applications, you will want to wash the area and apply while the skin is still wet. This is going to make sure that the Dexamethasone is able to work its way deep into the skin. You will want to rub it in as best as possible. You may have to cover it with a plastic wrap or leave it open. This is going to be determined by your vet when given the prescription.
In many instances, the Dexamethasone for horses will begin to work after the first application to clear up the inflammation, redness, itching and swelling. You may have to apply for a few days or a few weeks depending on severity as well as what the vet tells you to do.
If you notice any adverse reactions, such as a rash or anything else, you will want to stop use and tell your vet immediately. It may be that your horse is having an allergic reaction to the medication and it may be necessary to make a swap to a different prescription medication.
Since Dexamethasone for horses can be used on several different scenarios, you will always want to talk to a vet to see if it is feasible and then gain a fresh prescription for each issue that your horse may be having.
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