Signs of acute pain in horses caused by conditions such as colic and lameness are familiar to horse owners and managers however, horses can experience mild discomfort or moderate pain and show only subtle signs. Veterinarians agree that horses experiencing even minor pain should be treated. While recognizing pain in horses is important, it is also important to understand that the pain horses cannot be evaluated on the same scale as those humans use as a frame of reference.1

Changes in behavior are often the best indicators that a horse is experiencing minor to moderate pain. If a horse suddenly becomes hard to catch, fidgets while being groomed or tacked, bucks or bolts when ridden, or fidgets with its bit, it may be showing that being ridden, or activities surrounding being ridden, causes pain.2 

Individual pain tolerance and how a horse evidences pain may vary based on age, previous experiences and environment. Some stressors, such as anxiety and fear, may also cause similar signs as pain, making recognition of pain in horses challenging.1,2 Nearly all horses have moments when they act differently, however, owners should be alert to small or subtle signs that a horse may be uncomfortable, and should consult a veterinarian whenever in doubt.

Sodium Salicylate for Equines

Sodium salicylate is a pain reliever and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a group of drugs called salicylates. It is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain in horses, and is frequently used in performance horses. Its characteristics are similar to those of aspirin with the exception that it is not acetylated.1 This means that it does not have a two-compartment half-life like aspirin. Aspirin acetylates and irreversibly blocks cyclooxgenase, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation, whereas the antiplatelet adhesion effect is only temporary with nonacetylated salicylates such as sodium salicylate.3

Salicylates are among the earliest class of anti-inflammatory agents possessing analgesic and antipyretic properties. The active ingredient of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. While it has been replaced by newer anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin remains a common over-the-counter analgesic for humans and small animal veterinary patients. Although salicylates represent the third most common cause of NSAID drug toxicity in dogs and cats, intoxication is seen relatively infrequently by small animal practitioners.3 Salicylate toxicity is still significant because of the serious and complex impact on an animal’s physiology.

Sodium salicylate is considered somewhat less effective in reducing pain when compared with aspirin however, horses that are hypersensitive to aspirin may tolerate sodium salicylate. 

Sodium Salicylate: Therapeutic Uses 

Sodium salicylate is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. Its mechanism of involves nonselective inhibition of cyclooxygenase. Antipyretic effects of sodium salicylate are centrally mediated at the level of the hypothalamus. Salicylates are also a potent inhibitor of thromboxane production and have long been used therapeutically as an antithrombotic agent because of its negative effect on platelet function.2,3

Salicylates such as sodium salicylate are common ingredients in many prescription and over-the-counter medications. As with other antiinflammatory agents, salicylates may be formulated in combination with other drugs and are available as oral tablets, liquid suspensions, and topical preparations. Combinations are typically designed to have either synergistic of ancillary functions. The combination of sodium salicylate and methenamine, for example, is indicated for pain associated with or accompanied by bacterial infection, since methenamine has antibacterial properties. Methenamine and sodium salicylate is often used to relieve symptoms of bladder infection or irritation and a more frequent need to urinate.3

Due to its antithrombotic functions, sodium salicylate is contraindicated in humans due to the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. It should also not be used before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Where to buy Sodium Salicylate

Sodium Salicylateis available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. SODIUM SALICYLATE 200 MG/ML by NexGen Pharmaceuticals is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain in horses. 

Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

1Merck Veterinary Manual.

2ker.com.

3veteriankey.com.