Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in equine medicine to manage pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, colitis, and laminitis. These agents act primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, with selectivity for COX-1 and COX-2 influencing both efficacy and safety. While highly effective, NSAIDs have a relatively narrow therapeutic window and can cause gastrointestinal ulceration, right dorsal colitis, and renal toxicity, particularly with prolonged use or overdose. Commonly used drugs include phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, firocoxib, meloxicam, carprofen, and diclofenac, each with distinct pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. Appropriate drug selection requires balancing analgesic benefit with risk, considering patient-specific factors. Clinicians should prioritize accurate dosing, maintain therapy for as long as clinically indicated, and monitor adverse effects. Current research aims to refine dosing strategies to maintain efficacy and improve safety in equine practice.