Betavet
General Drug Information and Indications
Betamethasone injectable for intra-articular use in horses; treatment of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis.
Injectable betamethasone (sodium phosphate + betamethasone acetate). Combination provides rapid onset (soluble phosphate ester) and prolonged action (acetate depot). Potent fluorinated corticosteroid; glucocorticoid receptor agonist with minimal mineralocorticoid effect.
Key information
Betamethasone valerate topical or injectable. Corticosteroid — see betamethasone entry. Competition withdrawal required.
How to Give this Medication
Injectable: administer IM for depot effect. Intra-articular: aseptic technique — clip, scrub, and prepare site before injection. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.
Side Effects
Same as betamethasone. HPA suppression, laminitis risk (horses), PU/PD, immunosuppression, GI ulceration, delayed wound healing. Crystal-induced post-injection flare with intra-articular use (24–72 hrs). Adrenal suppression from systemic absorption.
Precautions
For animals
See betamethasone. Laminitis risk in horses. Avoid in pregnant animals. Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Aseptic technique for intra-articular injection. Avoid in patients with active infections.
For people handling this medication
Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Corticosteroid injectable — Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Wear gloves when handling vials.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian. Corticosteroid overdose causes immunosuppression and metabolic disturbances.
Betavet dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BETAVET 6MG/ML INJECTABLE | 6 MG/ML | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Corticosteroids in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)