Description
What Is Dexamethasone and How Does It Work?
Dexamethasone (often called “Dex”) is a potent corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by blocking inflammatory mediators. Not only does dex for horses relieve joint swelling and airway constriction, but it also modulates the immune response in allergic or autoimmune conditions.
Indications for Equine Use
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Heaves (Recurrent Airway Obstruction): Relieves bronchospasm and airway inflammation
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Musculoskeletal Disorders: Eases pain and swelling in joints and soft tissues
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Allergic Reactions: Controls hives, urticaria, and anaphylaxis
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Shock & Endotoxemia: Supports pressor response when combined with fluids and other therapies
Dexamethasone Dosage Chart for Horses
| Horse Weight (lb) | Injectable Dex (2 mg/mL) | Oral Powder (10 mg/scoop) | Oral Paste (2 mg/mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 – 700 | 0.5 mL (1 mg) | 0.1 scoop (1 mg) | 0.5 mL (1 mg) |
| 701 – 900 | 0.75 mL (1.5 mg) | 0.15 scoop (1.5 mg) | 0.75 mL (1.5 mg) |
| 901 – 1100 | 1 mL (2 mg) | 0.2 scoop (2 mg) | 1 mL (2 mg) |
| 1101 – 1300 | 1.25 mL (2.5 mg) | 0.25 scoop (2.5 mg) | 1.25 mL (2.5 mg) |
| 1301 – 1500 | 1.5 mL (3 mg) | 0.3 scoop (3 mg) | 1.5 mL (3 mg) |
| Max Daily | 0.05 mg/kg | 0.05 mg/kg | 0.05 mg/kg |
Note: Always calculate dose based on current body weight and consult your veterinarian before administration.
Administration Methods Of Dex for horses
Injectable
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Intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) routes deliver rapid relief.
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Common strength: 2 mg/mL; draw dose into sterile syringe and inject aseptically.
Oral
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Powder: Mix measured scoops into feed or syringe — ideal for stall-bound horses.
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Paste: Directly deposit on the tongue; palatable and easy to deliver.
Onset & Duration of Action
Typically, Dex begins to reduce inflammation within 2–4 hours. Its effects can last 24–72 hours, depending on dose and indication. For maintenance of chronic conditions such as heaves, a tapered regimen helps avoid adrenal suppression.
Precautions & Side Effects Of Dex for Horses
While dexamethasone offers powerful relief, you should:
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Monitor blood glucose in metabolic horses
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Avoid long‑term, high‑dose use to prevent laminitis or immune suppression
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Rotate with non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatories when possible
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Observe injection sites for swelling or irritation
Where to Buy Dexamethasone for Horses
For reliable sourcing of equine medications, other essential health products at our online store—browse the full selection in our Equine Essential Shop or explore new arrivals in the Horse Care & New Arrivals category.
Safety and Compliance
This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, please visit P65 Warnings: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/businesses/new-proposition-65-warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dexamethasone do for a horse?
It reduces inflammation, controls allergic reactions, and eases airway constriction in heaves.
How fast does Dex work on horses?
Signs of improvement often appear within 2–4 hours post‑administration.
Can you use Dex for horse daily?
Yes, but only under veterinary supervision and with a proper taper to avoid side effects.
Is injectable faster than oral Dex?
Injectable Dex provides more rapid relief, while oral forms offer ease of use for ongoing care.
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