Influence of acepromazine maleate on the equine haematocrit.

This research article investigates how acepromazine maleate (ACP), a commonly used tranquilizer in horses, influences equine haematocrit levels and total plasma protein concentration.

Study Design and Subjects

• The researchers carried out their study on six clinically normal horses.
• The selected horses were used as subjects to evaluate the impact of ACP on venous haematocrit and total plasma protein concentration.

Impact on Total Plasma Protein Concentration

• The results of the study highlighted that the administration of ACP does not significantly affect the total plasma protein concentration in horses.
• This means that ACP does not alter the amount or concentration of proteins present in the blood plasma of the horses subjected to the study.

Influence on Haematocrit Levels

• The data gathered from the research, however, indicated a decrease in haematocrit levels post ACP administration.
• Haematocrit refers to a measure of the proportion of blood volume that is made up by red blood cells.
• A decrease in these levels is generally related to a reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen.

Correlation of Haematocrit Levels with Duration and Dosage

• The study revealed that the decrease in haematocrit levels was directly linked to the duration post ACP administration, and not necessarily the dose given.
• In other words, the extent of the decrease is not affected by the ACP dosage, but the length of the decrease is dose-dependent.
• For example, after administering 0.05 mg ACP/kg body weight, the haematocrit levels returned to normal after approximately 12 hours, and after a dose of 0.15 mg ACP/kg body weight, it took nearly 21 hours for the levels to normalize.