Equioxx For Horses (Firocoxib)
Equioxx Equioxx For Horses is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed specifically for horses. It helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility in horses suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis and lameness due to joint pain.
Unlike older NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone (Bute), Equioxx is known for being gentler on the horse’s stomach and kidneys. This makes it a preferred choice for long-term pain management in performance horses and seniors.
What Those Equioxx Do For Horses
Equioxx targets the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for inflammation and pain, while sparing the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach lining. This selective action reduces pain and swelling without causing as much gastric irritation as traditional NSAIDs.
In simpler terms—Equioxx reduces pain and inflammation while being easier on your horse’s digestive system.
When to Use Equioxx
Veterinarians commonly prescribe Equioxx for:
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Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease (DJD)
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Lameness due to inflammation
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Joint pain from aging or performance-related strain
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Post-surgical pain management
If your horse struggles to move comfortably, especially after exercise or in cold weather, Equioxx may help restore its mobility and comfort.
Equioxx Dosage for Horses
The typical Equioxx dosage for horses is:
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0.1 mg per kg (0.045 mg per lb) of body weight, once daily
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For an average 1,000 lb horse → 45 mg per day
Equioxx is available in:
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Tablets (57 mg)
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Oral paste (administered via syringe)
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Injectable form (used by veterinarians)
⚠️ Important: Never give more than the prescribed dose, and do not combine Equioxx with other NSAIDs such as Bute or Banamine. Doing so can increase the risk of ulcers or kidney damage.
How Long Can a Horse Stay on Equioxx?
Equioxx can be used short-term or long-term, depending on your horse’s condition. Many horses with chronic arthritis benefit from daily use under veterinary supervision.
If you notice improvement, your vet may suggest tapering the dose or using it as needed. Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor your horse’s kidney and liver function during extended use.
Possible Side Effects of Equioxx
While Equioxx is generally safe, side effects can occur, especially if overdosed or combined with other medications. Common symptoms include:
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Reduced appetite
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Diarrhea or soft stool
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Lethargy or dullness
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Signs of colic
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Increased drinking or urination
If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Equioxx For Horses Long Term
The pioneer COXIB class NSAID with a decreased potential for risks commonly associated with nonselective NSAIDs. Equioxx For Horses controls pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis for up to 24 hours with each dose.
A horse’s joints often need medical support in order to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis. Equine osteoarthritis can happen in any age and any discipline due to everyday wear and tear. It is permanent and can lead to early retirement and quality of life issues in horses.
Equioxx For Horses is a COXIB class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for horses that helps to manage the roller-coaster effect of pain and pain relief that can occur with other products which might require multiple daily dosing.
Equioxx For Horses is available in two formulations: paste and tablet. EQUIOXX tablets are small and palatable enough to be hand-fed with or without feed. EQUIOXX paste provides more accurate dosing by weight for smaller horses or competition horses subject to testing.
As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided.



