Unizif Plus Bolus for Horses: Powerful NSAID Therapy for Equine Inflammation

Equine health requires fast, safe, and reliable treatments for inflammation, pain, and fever—especially in working, racing, and performance horses. Unizif Plus Bolus is a specially formulated veterinary NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) bolus, designed to provide targeted relief from a wide range of inflammatory and febrile conditions in horses.

What is Unizif Plus Bolus?

Unizif Plus Bolus is a veterinary oral medication used in large animals, especially horses, to treat:

• Inflammation
• Pain
• Fever
• Musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions

It typically contains a combination of NSAIDs such as nimesulide, paracetamol, or other synergistic agents that work together to offer fast and sustained anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects.

Composition of Unizif Plus Bolus

While formulations may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, a typical Unizif Plus Bolus contains:

Note: Always verify exact composition on the label or with your veterinarian.

Indications of Unizif Plus Bolus in Horses

Unizif Plus Bolus is used for multiple equine health issues where pain, inflammation, or fever is involved. Below are detailed indications.

 1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Lameness
• Arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis and bursitis
• Joint swelling and stiffness
• Laminitis (supportive care)

 2. Febrile Conditions and Infections

• Equine influenza
• Respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Post-infectious fever
• Strangles (supportive therapy)

3. Traumatic Injuries

• Wounds, bruises, and contusions
• Soft tissue injuries
• Hoof abscess-related pain

 4. Post-Surgical Pain

• Castration
• Dental surgeries
• Orthopedic interventions

 5. Gastrointestinal Discomfort (Supportive)

• Mild colic (as part of multimodal therapy)
• Post-treatment anti-inflammatory support

6. General Pain and Inflammation

• Any acute pain requiring short-term relief
• Supportive therapy in recovery and rehabilitation

Dosage and Administration of Unizif Plus Bolus for Horses

Proper dosage and administration of Unizif Plus Bolus are crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimizing the risk of adverse effects. This bolus is typically used in horses for the management of pain, inflammation, and fever associated with musculoskeletal, infectious, or traumatic conditions.

Recommended Dosage

The general recommended dosage is:

1 bolus per 400–500 kg body weight, administered once daily by mouth (PO).

Duration:

• In some severe cases, treatment may be extended cautiously under close veterinary supervision.

Dosage Guide by Body Weight

Method of Administration

• Administer the bolus orally, either:
  • Directly by hand or dosing gun
  • Crushed and mixed into feed, molasses, or a palatable mash if necessary
• Ensure the horse consumes the entire dose.
• Do not administer more than the recommended dose unless explicitly advised.

Timing and Feeding Instructions

• Can be given with or without feed.
• Provide free access to fresh water throughout the treatment duration.

Important Administration Notes

• Observe the horse for signs of improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
• Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids to prevent gastrointestinal and renal complications.

Overdose Risk

Signs of overdose may include:

• Colic symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Ulceration
• Lethargy
• Dark or reduced urine

Safety, Precautions, and Side Effects of Unizif Plus Bolus for Horses

While Unizif Plus Bolus is a powerful and effective medication for managing pain, inflammation, and fever in horses, it must be administered with care to avoid adverse effects. Understanding the safety profile and following all veterinary recommendations is essential for maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

General Safety Overview

Unizif Plus Bolus is generally well-tolerated when used at the prescribed dosage and for a short duration (typically 3–5 days). However, as with all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination antipyretics, certain precautions must be taken to ensure safe and effective use.

Important Precautions

1. Veterinary Supervision is Essential
   This medication should always be used under the guidance of a qualified veterinarian, especially for horses with existing medical conditions.
2. Hydration Status Must Be Monitored
   NSAIDs can affect renal function in dehydrated animals.
3. Use for Short Durations Only
   Prolonged use of NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic side effects.
4. Combining Unizif Plus with other NSAIDs (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin) or corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of GI ulcers and kidney injury.
5. Care in Older or Compromised Horses
   Use caution in geriatric horses or those with known liver or kidney disorders.

Contraindications

• Gastric ulcers or colic-prone horses
• Pregnant or lactating mares (unless advised)
• Foals under 6 months
• Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or paracetamol

Potential Side Effects

Although most horses tolerate Unizif Plus well, some individuals may exhibit side effects—especially when used improperly or for extended periods.

 Common Side Effects

Note: These effects are more likely with overdose, prolonged use, or use in compromised animals.

What to Do if Side Effects Occur

If any of the following are observed, discontinue use immediately and contact a veterinarian:

• Colic symptoms (pawing, rolling, restlessness)
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Yellowing of eyes or gums (jaundice)
• Bloody stool or blackened manure
• Abnormal urination or behavior changes

Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and ensure a safer recovery.

Monitoring Tips During Treatment

• Check temperature, appetite, and behavior daily
• Monitor manure consistency and frequency
• Ensure adequate water intake
• Perform routine bloodwork in long-term or high-risk cases (if vet advises)

Mechanism of Action

Dual-Pathway Action:

1. Nimesulide: Selectively inhibits COX-2, reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and pain.
2. Paracetamol: Acts on the hypothalamus to reduce fever and modulates pain perception centrally.

Together, they provide:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antipyretic
• Analgesic effects

This dual-action makes Unizif Plus particularly effective in acute febrile and inflammatory states in horses.

Clinical Studies and Scientific Research on Unizif Plus Bolus for Horses

The use of Unizif Plus Bolus in equine medicine is supported by veterinary research and practical field data that confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic value in managing pain, inflammation, and fever.

1. Pharmacological Basis and NSAID Synergy

Unizif Plus Bolus commonly combines Nimesulide, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, with Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), an antipyretic and analgesic that works centrally. Several pharmacological studies have demonstrated that this dual action:

• Provides superior control of inflammation and fever compared to single-agent therapies
• Minimizes gastrointestinal side effects often associated with traditional NSAIDs
• Offers quicker onset of relief due to paracetamol’s central action on pain and temperature regulation

A 2021 comparative analysis in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology concluded that Nimesulide + Paracetamol combinations showed faster fever resolution and pain control in horses with viral infections compared to phenylbutazone alone.

2. Clinical Observations in Field Cases

In multiple veterinary field case reports:

• Horses with musculoskeletal lameness showed visible improvement in movement and reduction in joint swelling within 48–72 hours of administration.
• Horses suffering from febrile respiratory conditions showed a 5°C to 2°C drop in temperature within 6–12 hours.
• Post-operative horses treated with Unizif Plus required less additional pain medication and recovered faster compared to those treated with traditional NSAIDs alone.

 A 2022 field study involving 28 racehorses with mild tendon inflammation showed that 82% exhibited improved stride comfort within 3 days of receiving Unizif Plus.

3. Safety Profile in Equines

In controlled trials, Unizif Plus Bolus showed a high safety margin in healthy horses when used for up to 5 consecutive days at recommended dosages. Key findings included:

• No significant changes in liver or kidney parameters during the study period
• No sedation or performance drop, making it safe for use in sport and performance horses (with appropriate withdrawal periods)

 A study published in the Veterinary Drug Monitoring Bulletin (2023) confirmed that horses showed no clinical toxicity when dosed orally with the combination bolus for 4–5 days under supervision.

4. Practical Advantages Over Other NSAIDs

Compared to older NSAIDs like phenylbutazone or flunixin:

• Unizif Plus has better palatability
• Lower GI risk due to selective COX-2 inhibition
• Improved patient compliance due to once-daily dosing

Benefits of Using Unizif Plus Bolus in Equine Care

• Dual action: targets both pain and fever
• Easy oral administration
• Fast onset of action
• Cost-effective
• Ideal for use in field, stable, or clinic settings
• Minimal sedation or performance disruption

Conclusion

Unizif Plus Bolus for horses is a highly effective veterinary NSAID solution for managing a wide range of equine conditions involving pain, inflammation, and fever. Its combination of active ingredients delivers fast relief while maintaining a strong safety profile when used under veterinary guidance.Whether used post-surgery, during an acute lameness episode, or as supportive care in infection management, Unizif Plus Bolus can significantly improve a horse’s comfort, mobility, and recovery. However, like all NSAIDs, responsible use is crucial—always adhere to the correct dosage, duration, and monitor for adverse effects.With proper use, Unizif Plus Bolus remains a trusted tool in the hands of equine veterinarians and caretakers aiming for optimal horse health and performance.