What can you tell me about "buting" long term?

I have a situation. I recently posted about how I had "accidentally overworked my horse." He fell running uphill and banged his knee. It was swollen and warm for a few days. The vet came out on Tuesday (injury was Saturday) to do shots and also checked out his knee. He reported that the swelling was gone and no longer warm. Yesterday, I planned to hand walk him around the ranch, but the ranch owner/my trainer told me to saddle him and we went very slowly on the trail for about 40 minutes. He tripped a few times, but did not limp at all.

The ranch owner is going out of town for 2 weeks starting Monday and she wants to keep him buted twice a day for the entire time she is gone. By the time she gets back, he will have been taking it for 3 weeks. I've heard that this is not safe. What do you think?

Also, my horse was totally zombie like yesterday. Does bute make them act this way or was it from the shots? This is all so new to me and I just don't know what is considered normal. Obviously, zombie horses are not normal, so something is definitely going on. I have no problem not riding for all the time it takes him to heal. I was told to ride and assumed it was ok. Now, I am second guessing if he should be ridden, if he needs to be on pain meds for so long. Any help or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Call the Vet.

Sounds like simple advice, but unfortunately it's extremely complicated. Vet is best friends with ranch owner/trainer. I just bought this horse 2 months ago and there are some really strange things going on. I'm keeping the horse at the place I bought him from. Anyone who does not get an independent vet check done on a horse they are purchasing is not very smart. Yes, I am talking about myself here. If I challenge the ranch owner, I will very likely get kicked off or be given a tough time. There isn't many other options on where to go. I'm in that uncomfortable spot - between a rock and a hard place. :(

Just be frank and honest with either the vet or the ranch owner.

I bought my horse from the barn owner where I keep him. When I bought my horse (my first) I asked if he would "teach me" to own a horse. Some advance riding, but mostly horse feed and health care.

There are times when he will tell me to do something or that he is going to do something that I question. I have found it best to ask him and open the dialog.

Sure, it sounds like I am questioning someone who has owned and trained horses for over 30 years, but I also preface it by, explain this to me. Or, "I read in a book that this was bad, can you give me another opinion."

Bottom line, this is your horse. Unless you are leasing or it was free, that horse represents a financial commitment and an emotional commitment.

You won't learn if you don't ask. And if you don't ask and it turns out to be bad, you can't blame the ranch owner. Only yourself.

2 weeks seems like quite a long time to have him on bute. Especially if he's not limping or sore. My concern with prolonged use of bute would be in that he could develop an ulcer. If you are going to keep him on that much bute each day then I think you want to consider an ulcer guard. It should be ok for you to call the vet and ask questions, if you are uncomfortable with it becuase of the ranch owner and the vets friendship then you might want to consider a new vet and potentially a new facility. I know that you are new at the horse ownership game but don't fall into that trap where people dictate how you care for your animal. I think asking questions and advice is a very smart thing to do.

As for the zombie. I'm not sure if that is a side effect or not but when my horse is on bute I always feel like he's a little more subdued.

No, I am not leasing and he wasn't free. You are right that it is my responsibility.

I've been researching the use of bute and it seems like a week would be more than sufficient. I will see her on Saturday before she leaves and probably tell her that I won't ride and would like to stop the use of bute, unless the vet deems it necessary. There has been a lot of dishonesty and that is what scares me more than asking questions. I'm considering taking him to another vet to have a once over. There may be pre-existing injuries and that is what caused this to be so bad. Thanks for the input.

Well, I certainly feel for you. I can't believe how blessed I have been. I bought a wonderful horse based solely on the words of the seller. The horse continues to exceed my expectations and the seller (now my barn owner) is probably the most trustful person I have met in a long time. And, he has been very good at helping me understand how to care for my horse.

It is very sad that there is an underlying worry about dishonesty and any pre-existing conditions. That is a very bad situation to be in.

Good luck.

This is your horse, not the ranch owners horse, get your own vet, stop being a pushover stand up for your self and your horse.
You dotn have to get stupid about it, just say thanks but no thanks. Or just smile and knod and simply ignore them.
You knew that horse wasnt ready to be rode, but you did it anyway. That's ur fault for lettign someone tell you to do something you knew was wrong.
You know the answer to your own question. The horse doesnt sound like it needs drugs it sounds like it needs time to heal.

That was such a daddy speech!

I have been concerned with using to much bute (horse has navicular).
I would give him massages and stretches. Very gently always checking his response and never lifting his leg to high. Throw in asorbine jr. My horse didnt like it at first, now he runs arounds the pasture like a colt when I'me done.
Also just discovered STP it costs 19 $ from the feed store.
It contains b 12, Yucca and Devil's claw it lasts along time.
You have paid for this horse if you want another opinion it is your decision to make. Stand up for yourself and your horse.
You are only looking forthe solution not to blame anyone.
Maybe look for another stable. Good Luck
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