Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to what happens normally following childbirth. They include difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, excessive fatigue, decreased libido, and frequent mood changes.
If your horse needs a topical medication along with a pain reliever, your veterinarian may have you apply a dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, solution. DMSO is quickly absorbed through the skin and is especially good at relieving swelling, as it pulls moisture from tissues.
If your horse needs long-term treatment, phenylbutazone is likely the drug your vet will prescribe. Available in tablet, paste, powder, and injectable forms, phenylbutazone is often given to horses with bone, joint, tendon, and muscle injuries.