Is Acepromazine Safe For Horses?

Acepromazine maleate is a phenothiazine derivative that is used as a neuroleptic agent in veterinary medicine. It is a commonly used tranquilizer for dogs, cats, and horses.

Can you use acepromazine in horses?

Acepromazine, commonly known as ACP, is used for light sedation in horses to enable vets, owners and paraprofessionals to easily carry out routine procedures safely such as clipping, farriery, dentistry or keeping a horse calm when on box rest.

What are some potential side effects of acepromazine in horses?

The most common and important side effect of acepromazine use is low blood pressure, and in severe cases, it can cause cardiovascular collapse.

How much ace can I give my horse?

The recommended dose is between 2-4 mg per 100 lbs weight.

How long does it take for acepromazine to work in horses?

20-30 minutes
Acepromazine can be administered by the intramuscular route, taking effect within 20-30 minutes, or may be given intravenously, taking effect within minutes. Acepromazine will cross mucous membranes and can be given orally.

What is the best sedative for horses?

The most commonly used sedatives and tranquilizers in horses are:

• Xylazine. Xylazine is a common equine sedative.
• Romifidine. Romifidine is an alpha-2 agonist that is similar to xylazine but with longer duration and less associated ataxia.
• Detomidine.
• Acepromazine.
• Diazepam and Midazolam.

How does ACE affect a horse?

Ace is often used as a pre-operative tranquilizer. It is thought to relax horses, making them more susceptible to other sedatives and anesthetics. Ace lowers blood pressure by dilating (opening) small blood vessels in the limbs, muscles, and skin.

What can you use instead of acepromazine?

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is a useful sedative agent and is a viable alternative to acepromazine administration.

How long does Ace take to wear off in horses?

one to four hours
The effects of acepromazine will last from one to four hours, but this varies significantly with dose and among individual horses. Acepromazine is a prohibited substance in most sanctioned competition. Oral administration or long-term, repeated dosing may increase detection time.

How long does acepromazine stay in a horses system?

Sedation includes but is not limited to acepromazine, detomidine and xylazine. The USEF has a general detection time of 7 days for all short acting sedatives, which includes all of the aforementioned drugs. The FEI detection time for a 1000 pound horse that received 0.9 cc (10mg/ml) detomidine is 2 days.

What is the 20% rule with horses?

The researchers found that an average adult light riding horse could comfortably carry about 20 percent of their ideal bodyweight. This result agrees with the value recommended by the Certified Horsemanship Association and the U.S. Cavalry Manuals of Horse Management published in 1920.

How much acepromazine do you give a horse orally?

Dosage and Administration

How long does it take for acepromazine to kick in?

20-30 minutes
Generally, the drug should be given three times a day, as needed. When a dose is given, it will take 20-30 minutes for the drug to take effect.

What breeds are sensitive to acepromazine?

Herding dogs like Collies and Australian Shepherds that carry the MDR-1 (also called ABCB1) genetic mutation can be especially sensitive to acepromazine and should usually be given a reduced dosage. On the other hand, Terriers may require more acepromazine than expected to achieve the desired degree of sedation.

How do you give acepromazine to a horse?

Horses: 2-4 mg/100 lb of body weight. IV doses should be administered slowly, and a period of at least 15 minutes should be allowed for the drug to take full effect.

Which of the following are adverse effects of acepromazine?

Acepromazine for dogs can potentially cause the following side effects:

• Low blood pressure.
• Decreased respiratory rate.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Cardiovascular collapse.
• Aggressiveness.
• Hyperactivity.
• Lack of coordination.
• Discolored urine.

What is the best instant calmer for horses?

• Lincoln Valerian Cordial.
• Audevard Zzen Flash 60ml.
• NAF Five Star Instant Magic 30ml syringe.
• Audevard Confidence EQ for Horses.
• Audevard Zzen 1L.
• Zylkene Equine 1000mg.
• Freestep Instamag Calming Spray for Horses.
• Science Supplements ProKalm for horses 60g syringe.

What sedation do vets use on horses?

The drugs most commonly used in equine practice are xylazine, detomidine, romifidine, acepromazine (a tranquilizer) and butorphanol (a narcotic-type pain relieving drug). These medications are typically given intravenously (IV) but most can also be given IM.

What can you give a horse to calm it down?

If the horse needs a mild calming effect, I’ll typically recommend a magnesium or herbal product with tryptophan, such as Quietex or Quiessence. There are lots of combinations of other ingredients including valerian root or Thiamine/Vitamin B1. An alternative is Mare’s Magic- made of raspberry leaf extract.

When should you not give an ACE?

Absolute Contraindications
Any patient with a history of angioneurotic edema, whether related to an ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blockers, or another cause, should not be given an ACE inhibitor. Other contraindications include pregnancy, renal artery stenosis, and previous allergy to ACE inhibitors.

What is the problem with ACE?

ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.