NSAIDs in Large Animal Practice

Question 1

What is indicated in the prescribing cascade?

Answer 1

species & condition that the veterinary medicine is licensed for

Question 2

What is an extemporaneous preparation and which stage of the prescribing cascade is this made in?

Answer 2

Drug prepared by a Vet for a patient- in Step 5 of the prescribing cascade

Question 3

What must the vet surgeon do as part of the prescribing cascade?

Answer 3

must keep specific records & must specify the withdrawal period to the farmer

Question 4

What is the Maximum Residue Limit?

Answer 4

the maximum allowed concentration of a residue in a food product obtained from an animal that has received a veterinary medicine

Question 5

What is the essential substance list for horses?

Answer 5

list of substances considered essential for the treatment of equines that may be used in food horses legally- if medicine that is not listed here is given then the animal must be permanently excludes from the food chain

Question 6

Which species are NSAIDs licensed for?

Answer 6

Cows & Pigs

Question 7

Which diseases are NSAIDs licensed for in Cows and Pigs? (5)

Answer 7

Mastitis
Respiratory Disease
Lameness
Disbudding
Scours if animal is more than 7 days old

Question 8

Give two examples of NSAIDs that are licensed for Cows and Pigs.

Answer 8

Meloxicam
Ketoprofen
Carprofen
Metamizole
Flunixin

Question 9

Which drug is safe to use in BOTH pregnant cows and pregnant sows?

Answer 9

Meloxicam

Question 10

What part of the prescribing cascade is used when giving Goats an NSAID?

Answer 10

Step 3- Veterinary medicine licensed in GB but for different species or condition

Question 11

In what cases are NSAIDs contraindicated? (6)

Answer 11

• At the same time as other NSAIDs
• At the same time as steroids
• In dehydrated case
• Abomasal ulceration
• Renal Failure
• Liver Disease

Question 12

In Equines, what are the licensed conditions for the use of NSAIDs?

Answer 12

Musculoskeletal conditions such as lameness or mobility
Colic

Question 13

Give two examples of Injectable NSAIDs that are licensed for Horses?

Answer 13

Meloxicam
Ketoprofen
Phenylbutazone
Flunixin

Question 14

Which injectable NSAID is licensed for Colic?

Answer 14

Flunixin

Question 15

What are Corticosteroids used for in Farm/ Equine practice? (5)

Answer 15

i. Induce Parturition or abortion
ii. Treat Anaphylaxis
iii. Immunosuppression
iv. Anti inflammatory
v. Anti-pyrexic

Question 16

What are the risks of Corticosteroids in Farm practice? (5)

Answer 16

Infection/ Immunosuppression
Bleeding disorders
Renal and hepatic failure
Abortion
Laminitis

Question 17

Which steroid carries the highest risk of Laminitis? And which carries the lowest risk?

Answer 17

Lowest- Oral Prednisolone
Highest- Dexmethasone

Question 18

Which two Corticosteroids are licensed for Farm Animal use?
Also specify the species.

Answer 18

Dexmethasone- Cattle, Pigs & Horses
Oral & Topical Prednisolone- Horses

Question 19

Can you use NSAIDs in Performance Animals e.g. racing horses?

Answer 19

Not permitted during racing- Vet recommends a stand down time of 8-14 days before racing to ensure withdrawal time is catered for