[Bella]

I've been reading other threads which have touched on the dangers of giving Banamine intravenously, which has been a very interesting read for me. I had no idea that this drug could cause such severe reactions.

So I'm curious, do other similar drugs, such as Flunazine cause the same reactions? And I am certainly no drug expert, but I was told that Flunazine is basically the same drug, just different brand? Am I correct here?

I have always given Flunazine rather than Banamine, just because its what was available to me. So, should I worry about the same reaction with this drug?

-Bella

[JBandRio]

Unless you're talking about something else, flunazine IS banamine - flunixin meglumine. Same thing

It's the IM injection of banamine that is troublesome; the preferred method is IV. Oral works safely (in terms of what we're talking about) it just takes longer.

[tbtrainer]

Info on IM shot of Banamine....

Intramuscular injections of flunixin have been incriminated in cases of fatal clostridial myositis (bacterial infection of the muscle) in horses. When injected into muscle, the drug's formulation causes slight tissue damage and an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment. On rare occasions, a clostridial organism spore is picked up as the needle passes through the horse's haircoat and is injected into the tissue. In the anaerobic environment, the spore becomes activated and proliferates, releasing toxins and causing massive muscle damage. If not treated promptly and aggressively, clostridial myositis is rapidly fatal.

[Bella]

Thanks to both of you.

Is there than, a safer alternative to banamine, for those of us that cannot give IV shots? If a horse colics, is there a different drug I could administer? I prefer not to use bute as I've been told that it is a stronger drug that is capable of completely masking the pain which can cause more issues - correct me if I am wrong here, too.

-Bella

[tbtrainer]

Bella, Banamine is a stronger drug than Bute... and Banamine is one of the best meds for colic... not only does it reduce pain, it can fight off dangerous toxins released into the bloodstream from the intestines when a horse is colicy..

You can use Banamine paste, but like JB said, it gets into their system slower...ask your vet to teach you how to give and IV shot.. it's really not hard once you get the hang of it... most horses have big veins!

[Xiphias]

I can't even count how many IM banamine shots between my friend and I have given over the years....not saying that they are not dangerous in a very small percentage of them that do have a bad reaction....for me, if put in a position, where I had no other choice, I would still do it....but the next time the vet is here, I will ask for a tube of paste, and/or ask him to show me how to do IV...as my mare is easy to "stick" unlike the gelding that I had for years, who was a PIA to give any shot to....Cathy

[Bella]

Originally Posted by tbtrainer

Bella, Banamine is a stronger drug than Bute... and Banamine is one of the best meds for colic... not only does it reduce pain, but has properties that helps clear the gut of bad bacteria when a horse is colicy...you can use Banamine paste, but like JB said, it gets into their system slower...ask your vet to teach you how to give and IV shot.. it's really not hard once you get the hang of it... most horses have big veins!

I didn't even realize that a vet would teach someone how to give an IV shot - I always thought that was voodoo... Thank you, though. I will see if I can get one to show me.

Is the dosage the same, whether given in the vein or muscle?

And it cannot be given oraly, as bute can, correct? (Aside from the paste, that is)

Sorry for so many questions - I am drug illiterate and would really like to learn!

Originally Posted by xiphias21034

I can't even count how many IM banamine shots between my friend and I have given over the years....not saying that they are not dangerous in a very small percentage of them that do have a bad reaction....for me, if put in a position, where I had no other choice, I would still do it....

I agree - I have given too many IM banamine shots to count - but that was before I knew the risks. Considering I want to start training for the public, I would be horrified to give a shot to someones horse now that I know the risk - I can't imagine explaining that to a client. >.<

-Bella

[tbtrainer]

Bella, the dosage is the same, IV or IM...I have never given the liquid orally... I would ask your vet about that one... gotta run to soccer, LOL!

[Bella]

Originally Posted by tbtrainer

Bella, the dosage is the same, IV or IM...I have never given the liquid orally... I would ask your vet about that one... gotta run to soccer, LOL!

Thank you.

I do have one final question, for anyone - in what situations would you choose to use bute over banamine? Bute doesn't have the anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing agents, does it?

-Bella

[Xiphias]

Originally Posted by Bella

I didn't even realize that a vet would teach someone how to give an IV shot - I always thought that was voodoo... Thank you, though. I will see if I can get one to show me.

Is the dosage the same, whether given in the vein or muscle?

And it cannot be given oraly, as bute can, correct? (Aside from the paste, that is)

Sorry for so many questions - I am drug illiterate and would really like to learn!


I agree - I have given too many IM banamine shots to count - but that was before I knew the risks. Considering I want to start training for the public, I would be horrified to give a shot to someones horse now that I know the risk - I can't imagine explaining that to a client. >.<

-Bella

I can deffinitly understand that, and since I found out that "it could have an adverse reaction" I have not given one that way....have not had to (knocks on wood) and I will get me some paste type, and hopefully get my vet to show me, it he/she will , it don't look that hard, just have to be shown...and practice...something that my mare would be patient about...Cathy