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Horses + Medications & Supplements

  • Dexamethasone is given on and off label, by mouth or injection, to treat various inflammatory, autoimmune, and adrenal gland conditions. It can also be used off label as a diagnostic test. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination and/or appetite, dull/dry haircoat, weight gain, pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, panting, vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Dextromethorphan is given by mouth and is used off label to treat compulsive behaviors and occasionally used to treat cough. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling or anxiousness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it.

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Diclofenac topical (brand name Surpass®) is a topical, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat joint inflammation and pain in horses. This medication is used off label in other animals. Diclofenac topical comes in ointment, gel, and spray forms.

  • Difluprednate ophthalmic is a corticosteroid eye medication used to treat inflammation and provide pain management in the eye following surgery, injury, or in certain cases of inflammation (conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, keratitis). It is recommended for use in all animal species except birds.

  • Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.

  • Dimethyl sulfoxide, otherwise known as DMSO, topical (brand name Domoso®) is a topical, free-radical scavenger agent used to treat certain skin conditions in dogs and for certain types of inflammation in horses. It is approved for use in horses and dogs to treat acute swelling due to trauma. It is used off label (extra label) in other animals and for other uses.

  • Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a supplement often used in veterinary medicine to support immune health, athletic performance, and muscle and joint health. It is used in dogs, cats, horses, and chickens.

  • Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.

  • Dipyrone (Zimeta®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses to treat fever. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of pain in dogs and cats, as well as cattle and rabbits.