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Pet Health Articles

Horses + Medications & Supplements

  • Erythromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility problems in many animal species. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have liver disease or dysfunction, or in pets such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters.

  • Esomeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor antacid used to treat stomach ulcers in cats, dogs, and horses. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Esomeprazole comes in capsule and tablet forms.

  • Eyebright, from the Euphrasia officinalis plant, is an herbal supplement used as an antimicrobial (antiseptic), anti-inflammatory, and astringent, most commonly in dogs, cats, and horses. It is typically used to supplement treatment for eye conditions such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues around the eyeball), allergies, or corneal ulcers.

  • Firocoxib is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It may also be used off label to treat a specific type of bladder cancer in dogs. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Fish oil (brand names: Eicosaderm, Dermapet, Welactin, AllerG-3) is a supplement derived from cold-water fish, such as salmon. Fish oil is used to help with inflammatory diseases, including skin allergies (atopy) and dermatitis, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and some types of cancer. Fish oil is used widely in cats, dogs, and other animals.

  • Flower essences are extracts from various types of flowers that are used to balance emotions. In animals, they are used to relieve emotional stress and anxiety. Flower essences are used in many different animals, including cats, dogs, horses, fish, birds, and other animals.

  • Flunixin meglumine is given by mouth in the form of a paste or granules or by an injection into the vein in horses. Do not use this medication in horses that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Folic acid (also known as folate or folacin) is a B vitamin (B9) used to treat folic acid deficiency in dogs, cats, horses, and other species. Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.

  • Furosemide is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat many conditions, including congestive heart failure and fluid retention. Common side effects include increased urination, diarrhea, or constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in those that are unable to make urine.

  • Ganciclovir ophthalmic is a topical antiviral drug used to treat herpes virus eye infections (herpes keratitis) in cats, horses, and other animals. Ganciclovir ophthalmic comes in ointment gel form.