Educational Articles

Horses

  • Camphor + menthol + phenol, topical, is an over-the-counter product used to treat superficial wounds, cuts, and burns in horses and mules. It comes as a liquid spray and is better known as Scarlett Oil Pump Spray®, although there are several other over-the-counter products that contain camphor, menthol, and phenol.

  • Canker is now rarely seen but is a serious infection of the horn of the foot, that results in the formation of a soft, moist, disintegrating growth of horn. It most commonly affects the hind feet and is most often seen in horses kept in wet tropical climates, or in large draught type horses.

  • Carbamazepine is given my mouth and is used off label in dogs, cats, and horses to treat seizures, pain, and behavior disorders. Common side effects in animals are unknown, but may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that have recently used amitraz, are pregnant, or have bone marrow disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • The average horse lives to be approximately 20 years of age, although many ponies and a few horses live for 30 years. Older horses and ponies need a little extra care to ensure that they remain healthy and happy.

  • Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used on and off label. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs in the same class, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Chlorambucil is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Common side effects include fur loss and changes in hair coat, as well as gastrointestinal upset. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other alkylating medications, that have bone marrow disease, have an active infection, or that are pregnant or lactating. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Chlorhexidine/hydrocortisone/trizEDTA topical (TrizCHLOR® 4HC) is a shampoo and spray conditioner used topically in cats, dogs, and horses to support animals with conditions such as superficial, itchy, bacterial and fungal skin infections (pyoderma); acute moist dermatitis (hotspots); and pododermatitis (skin infections of the foot).

  • Chlorpheniramine maleate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat allergic conditions or as a mild sedative. Common side effects include sleepiness, although other side effects are possible. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other similar antihistamines, or pets that are undergoing allergy testing within 2 weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Clarithromycin is given by mouth and used off label to treat certain bacterial infections in several animal species. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other macrolide antibiotics, in rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, or horses greater than four months old.

  • Choke is a relatively common condition that occurs when food or a foreign body blocks the horse's esophagus (gullet), which is the tube that takes food from the back of the mouth (pharynx) to the stomach.