Home

>

Phenylbutazone in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Phenylbutazone

Updated on September 10, 2024

Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat conditions that create inflammation in domestic species. Due to the availability of safer and more effective options, this medication is rarely used in dogs, cats, and other small animals.

Phenylbutazone

Summary

Used For: Inflammation, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injury

Brands: Butazolidin, Phenylbute

Species:

Horses, cattle, pigs, rarely used in dogs, cats and other small animals

Other names: Bute

Drug type: Anti-Inflammatory

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Safety for use in pregnant and lactating animals has not been established.

Side effects: GI upset, jaundice, weakness, rapid breathing or seizures

General description

Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation of soft tissues, muscles and bones. Newer, safer medications are available for dogs; however, phenylbutazone may be recommend by a veterinarian in select cases. The manufacturer recommends monitoring for anemia, low platelet and white blood cell counts, and liver and kidney damage.

Uses

Inflammation, pain, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injury, other inflammatory conditions.

How it works

Phenylbutazone disrupts the production of inflammatory prostaglandins in the body.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 14.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight given orally every 8hours initially then titrate down to lowest effective dose.

Forms

100, 200, 400 milligram tablets and 1 gram tablets are available; 200 milligram/milliliter injectable solution.

Storage information & handling

Tablets: keep dry and away from sunlight. Injectable solution must be kept refrigerated.

What results can I expect?

Phenylbutazone begins working to decrease pain and inflammation within 1-3 hours after the first dose.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue the next dose at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and kidney or liver failure.

Side effects

May include: * Diarrhea * Vomiting * Blood in the stool * Seizures * Jaundice * Weakness * Rapid breathing

Contraindications

Do not use in patients with: * Liver disease * A history of seizures * Sensitive gastrointestinal systems * Kidney disease

Drug interactions

Phenylbutazone should not be used in combination with any other medication that is a steroid or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Precaution

This medication is no longer considered safe for small animals. Many other options are now available. Use in horses is still common and well-tolerated by this species.

Sources

*Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs*

Related Questions

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dogs are experiencing a bad flea outbreak. We used a generic for Frontline (fipronil) two weeks ago, with no results. I have purchased a generic for Advantix II (Imidacloprid, Permethrin, and Pyriproxyfen) and am wondering if I need to wait the full 4 weeks to use this, or if I can treat with the second medication now.

In severe outbreaks, 2 weeks between different drugs is ok. You will also need to use a household flea treatment in order to break the cycle, only 5% of the flea population are adults and actually present on pets, tge remaining 95% are eggs/large and will continue to hatch, develop and reinvest your pets. All in contact animals should be treated together and also given a tapeworm treatment because tapeworms are also transmitted by fleas

Read More

My 8yo Golden had a falsepregnancy w milk. Cabergoline has resolved it now. I hear conflicting opinions about spaying. She has never mated. Some say not spaying would cause pseudopregnancy recurrence+dangerous conditions like Mammary T. But UCDavis studies say spaying increases other aggressive cancer risks among GoldenRs. Also, vet thinks that her anemia that keeps coming back after prednisolone trtmnts *might* be due to Ovary cysts, suggests spaying. What's the right approach for her health?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Lav. I've heard many owners quote the UC Davis study, and there are a number of things wrong with the study. Check out this article on it: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate Not spaying her can cause a pseudopregnancy reoccurrence, but it doesn't increase her risk of mammary tumors. That's already going to be 25% because she's had more than two heats. Keep in mind, 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. She is eight years old, so she is already at a higher risk of developing cancer simply because she is an older dog. She is also at risk of a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. The treatment for a pyometra is spaying the dog, which is an emergency during a pyometra and can cost many thousands of dollars. In all honesty, it's best to spay her. It will keep her from developing a pyometra as well as a pseudopregnancy, and it will keep her from getting pregnant if she accidentally mates. Dogs over the age of six should never have puppies. In my opinion, it's best for her to health to get spayed asap. I hope this helps!

Read More

My cat was prescribed antibiotics for diarrhea and today was his second day of taking them. He’s required to take 0.5 mL of the antibiotic and another one after 12 hours (twice a day). Today, he lost his appetite (only ate a few treats) and threw up clear liquid twice and clear yellow liquid 3 times. He is also lethargic.

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. I'm sorry to hear that Leo is having this problem. Many antibiotics cause gastrointestinal issues in cats so you will need to call your vet and let them know what is going on. Most likely they will have you stop one or both of the antibiotics and prescribe something different. I would also suggest that you put him on a pre/probiotic while he is taking antibiotics and then continue for at least one week after the antibiotics have been stopped. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Read More

I was advised by my daughter's dog trainer to contact a vet about my Yorkie's anxiety. She is 7 yo and 12 lbs. She started off scared of some fireworks in the neighborhood. Now it has progressed to even heavy rain. She keeps us up during storms because s she's so afraid and we can't console her. The trainer said a vet could try her on some trazadone. How can I get help with this?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Ellie. I'm sorry she's having trouble with anxiety! Yes medications can help with anxiety, but she would need to see a vet in person to get the medication. We cannot provide a prescription for it from the site without seeing her in person; it's illegal, and against the user terms of the site. I recommend contacting her vet to make her an appointment to discuss the use of medication. A thundershirt may also help in conjunction with medication. You can buy them online, I also recommend looking at one of those. A tip to keep in mind when she is afraid is not to console her. It's natural to want to do that, but it actually reinforces the behavior. By consoling her, you are telling her it's ok to act this way. I hope this helps!

Read More

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Files Under:

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.