What are the long term effects of using steroids on horses?

Question

I have a pony with a respiratory problem. She’s been diagnosed with COPD (she’s basically allergic to dust). We put her on Predi granules which is a type of steroid. She was still coughing while on it but a lot less and her breathing was pretty good, however once her course was up she was immediately back to coughing badly and struggling to breathe. She is currently in no work. We have been told that this problem is quite common in our area and that we should sell her. This is heart breaking for me as she was a wonderful pony I would still be competing on if she did get better. ANYWAY, what are the long term effects of having a horse on steroids (predi granuels)? And would just giving her a normal steroid work the same? We have tried many different things and so far this is the only thing which has worked.

Answer 1

Steroids can be used safely in low doses over the long term, Holly. They have more or less the same effects on horses that they do on people. They may make your mare gain weight, etc. If the prednisone is the only thing that has worked for your mare, then I'd keep her on it, at least for now. And don't worry about showing. If it turns out that the mare needs the medicine for a therapeutic reason ( and she clearly does) your vet can sign an affidavit attesting to this, which you can present to the officials at recognized shows. The USEF and the FEI both permit the use of steroid medications in horses as long as it is done for a clearly stated therapeutic reason and the medication is prescribed by a licensed vet.

Answer 2

copd is lung failure and heart is adversely affected. . .so use her with caution. Get with your vet about managing her lung health, her life depends on it.

Answer 3

I think you have need to admitted in the bloodstock agency. They will take care of her and let you know what type of problem she is suffering. There is source which take care of horses http://keithharte.com/

Answer 4

we used cough free and it helped

Answer 5

The same as the long-term effects on people.

Answer 6

You saw no improvment with the daily use of a nebulizer? Also, magnesium is not well absorbed unless it is correctly balanced with calcium and potassium.

Answer 7

The same as the long term effects on people.

Answer 8

You should be asking your vet; long term effects depend on the medication, and the dose. There might be a better program for long-term maintenance.

Answer 9

Forgot to add that she has seen the vet, that is how we got the predi granuels and the vet will be coming again soon. Just wanted to ask what the effects of steroids are so we can kind of start looking at costs and wether it is worth it. Also we have minimised dust as much as possible (rubber matting in their open shelter & one of those fancy hay steamers) and tried a range of products like inhalers and nose sprays. She is currently taking a small dose of magnesium in her feed for her breathing.

Answer 10

maybe you should take her to a vet if shes having problems like that

Answer 11

Well keeping her in the open air and in a dust free as possible situation is job one and it sounds like you are on that path. Be sure to soak er hay and see if living on pasture 24/7 is possible in your situation and for her health. Some horses have additional health complications. When they have one, they have several, just like people! The other drugs you can use instead of prednisone are anti-histamines and hydroxyzine. These do not work as well as steroids. Also, the inhaler mask for severe cases. Since COPD is progressive, your vet may have determined your horse needs prednisone and not one of these other options.



Ask your vet if you can try hydroxyzine each day and use the prednisone on "bad days". That may work. But, listen closely to your vet and get another opinion if things are not working out the way you think they might. Nothing wrong with talking to another doctor.



With winter coming in the US, and pollen season almost over, it may be a good time to try hydroxyzine. I don't know if you have or have not yet... During high dust/pollen seasons you may need to switch her back to prednisone during those times.... Soak her hay and feed in water and feed from the ground. That helps tremendously.

Answer 12

None