If commissioners continue the ban on the drug, veterinarians may have decreased access to bute. If passed, bute may be given to meat horses with a six-month withdrawal period according to www.horseandhound.co.uk.

The EU classifies horses as a food-producing animal, and only substances with known residue times in meat are allowed on horses intended for human consumption. Bute has not been tested because the testing process is very expensive, so one dose disqualifies a horse for food-production under current rules.

European Medicines Agency officials will decide whether to include bute in a consultation in October. 

A recent EU amendment asked European veterinarians to suggest drugs that bring an added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options, so they could be considered for addition to the list of approved medications.

This gave veterinarians the chance to plead bute’s case, as there are alternatives, but they may be more expensive and less effective, especially when used for laminitis, pain relief during surgery and certain orthopedic conditions.