My coach is suggesting my horse go on a daily NSAID to help with his performance. He doesn’t have joint issues per se but she noted he moved more freely while recently on a course of prednisone. I worry about side effects with NSAIDS. Is there something else I can do instead …like curcumin ?
You are right to be concerned about the risks associated with daily NSAID use as they are not without consequences. Whether the risks outweigh the benefits will depend on a variety of parameters.
If I were you, I would talk to your vet and figure out exactly where the pain/stickiness/inflammation is coming from, and see if there is a better way to address it. Different shoeing? Joint injections? Systemic joint support (e.g., Legend or Adequan)? There are other things that might be more helpful and less harmful than NSAIDs.
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Why was the horse on prednisone?
Rather than go the route of NSAIDs which another poster already addressed the risks associated, I’d pursue management tweaks: 24/7 turnout is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents out there. Then I’d follow with monthly Pentosan and reassess after three months.
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He was having asthma like symptoms, which completely resolved with the steroid. We think he has allergies and so I’m pursuing testing for that.
I really dislike putting horses on bute, banamine, or Equioxx long term. For me, it’s a last resort.
I’d schedule a lameness exam with a good sporthorse vet and see if there isn’t something more targeted that you can do - management changes, joint injections, etc. If the horse really needs systemic support, I’d try Adequan/Legend/Pentosan first.
If allergies, think anti-histamines, not NASIDs. But best to go with vet, not coach, on this one.
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Well in that case, consider that he may have felt better because he could breath better, not because of any inflammation. You might consider an NSAID trail for a week and see if that also helps, before assuming there’s inflammation bothering him.
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Agree with the other suggestion - was he moving more freely b/c he could breathe better?
If he has chronic allergies, consider something like a nebulizer to keep the allergies under control long term.
And yes, if you think there is something wrong with his movement or performance, then a visit to the equine lameness specialist is in order.
Seriously, shame on your coach for just wanting to stick him on a medication like that. 
Plus there are so many other BETTER options for supplements to try first, such as Adequan or pentosan or Legend, before an actual medication.
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Gosh, a steroid is nothing like an NSAID. They are for entirely different purposes.
This needs to be a discussion with your vet, not your trainer. Your trainer has invaluable input into whether your horse is moving better, that’s for sure, and that’s something your vet won’t know (in this context)
Your trainer should never have made this suggestion, especially since she clearly doesn’t understand the differences between prednisone for asthma/heaves symptoms, and an NSAID for arthritis issues.
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Keep in mind the USEF drug rules if you are competing. I agree that this is a matter which should be investigated and treated by your vet, not your coach.
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