Contemporary use of acepromazine in the anaesthetic management of male horses and ponies: a retrospective study and opinion poll.
Abstract: Current use of acepromazine in the anaesthetic management of male horses and ponies and associated risks are largely unknown. Objective: To explore anaesthetic acepromazine use and related adverse effects in the male horse. Methods: Of 8533 anaesthetised horses and ponies medical records of male animals treated perianaesthetically with acepromazine were reviewed. Demographic data, time and dose of acepromazine administration, co-administered drugs, quality of induction and recovery from anaesthesia, arterial blood pressures, and occurrence of penile dysfunction were recorded. Practising ACVA and ECVAA diplomates were polled on the use of acepromazine and its effects on blood pressure and penile dysfunction in the equine. Results: Of all animals, 12% females and 11% males (n=575 including 42% stallions) received perianaesthetic acepromazine, predominantly for premedication. Anaesthetic induction was smooth in 566 animals. Lowest mean arterial pressures averaged 65±9 mmHg. Recovery was good or very good in 70% of all animals and 74% stood after 1-2 attempts. In 14 horses (2.4%; 7 stallions, 7 geldings), penile prolapse occurred for 0.5-4 h and in one stallion (0.2%) for >12 but 12 h and only one recalls 3 cases of irreversible penile prolapse in 20 years of anaesthesia practice. Conclusions: The extremely low risk of permanent penile dysfunction (≤1 in 10,000 cases) does not justify more restricted use of acepromazine in the intact male vs. geldings and mares.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2010-12-15 PubMed ID: 21143639DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00107.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research explores the use of acepromazine, a tranquilizer for horses, in its anesthetic management for male horses and ponies and the associated risks. A low risk of permanent penile dysfunction was found, suggesting no need for restricted use in intact males versus geldings and mares.
Research Methodology
- The medical records of male horses and ponies that were anaesthetised and treated perianaesthetically with acepromazine were analysed.
- The study gathered demographic data, information on the time and dose of acepromazine administration, types of drugs co-administered, and quality of induction and recovery from anaesthesia.
- The research also examined arterial blood pressures and the occurrence of penile dysfunction.
- The study also included a poll of practicing ACVA and ECVAA diplomates on the use of acepromazine and its effects on blood pressure and penile dysfunction in horses.
Findings
- Out of all the males, 11% received perianaesthetic acepromazine. This was most often used for premedication.
- Anaesthetic induction was successful in almost all animals and recovery was rated good or very good in 70% of animals, with 74% standing after one or two attempts.
- For 14 horses, 2.4% experienced penile prolapse lasting between 0.5 to 4 hours, and for one stallion, this lasted over 12 hours but less than 18 hours.
- The survey found that most anaesthesiologists use acepromazine primarily for premedication with other sedatives and analgesics. This is more frequent in geldings and mares.
- Instances of persistent intraoperative hypotension were not often reported, and penile prolapse following acepromazine administration, lasting for more than 12 hours, was recalled by only 5% of the surveyed anaesthesiologists, with only one recalling three cases of irreversible penile prolapse in 20 years of anaesthesia practice.
Conclusion
- The study indicates that the extremely low risk of permanent penile dysfunction does not justify the need for a more restricted use of acepromazine for intact males as opposed to geldings and mares.
Cite This Article
APA
Driessen B, Zarucco L, Kalir B, Bertolotti L.
(2010).
Contemporary use of acepromazine in the anaesthetic management of male horses and ponies: a retrospective study and opinion poll.
Equine Vet J, 43(1), 88-98.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00107.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, PA, USA. driessen@vet.upenn.edu
MeSH Terms
- Acepromazine / adverse effects
- Anesthesia / veterinary
- Animals
- Data Collection
- Female
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses
- Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects
- Hypotension
- Male
- Penile Diseases / chemically induced
- Penile Diseases / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
- Sex Characteristics
- Surveys and Questionnaires
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Gozalo-Marcilla M, Ringer SK. Recovery after General Anaesthesia in Adult Horses: A Structured Summary of the Literature.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 14;11(6).
- Algren DA, Ashworth A. Acute acepromazine overdose: clinical effects and toxicokinetic evaluation.. J Med Toxicol 2015 Mar;11(1):121-3.
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