Bute Research

Research at The Ohio State University has uncovered evidence that the use of phenylbutazone, or bute, may hinder healing of damaged cartilage. The anti-inflammatory agent seems to slow the production of new cartilage molecules for as much as two weeks after administration. Because chronic use of the drug has the potential to interfere with normal joint tissue maintenance, researcher Dr. Alicia Bertone suggests owners use bute only as needed and not as a preventive medicine.