Anti-inflammatoriesin cattlemedicine

Steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) products are widely used in production animal practice. The history and mechanism of action of these antiinflammatory drugs are briefly presented. In the UK, dexamethasone is licensed broadly for reduction of inflammation, whereas NSAIDs carry narrow, specific indications for conditions including bovine respiratory disease, lameness and mastitis. The evidence base for selection between steroid and NSAID in these cases, and selected off-label conditions, is discussed. Both groups of anti-inflammatory carry risks of side effects and these are also briefly reviewed. There are limited situations where published evidence would support the use of steroids as the preferred product, when only antiinflammatory action is being considered.