This product is a drug that belongs to the family of tranquilizer medications which are phenothiazine and in dogs, in general, it is used as a fairly mild sedative or also in combination with other types of medications such as opioids, in order to achieve a deeper state of sedation.
Likewise, has an effect that is antiemetic, which means that it avoids the appearance of vomiting and nausea. On the other hand, we can say that the effect it has as an analgesic in a certain way is null.
What side effects can the dog suffer from accepromazine?
This is a drug that needs a prescription from a veterinarian, therefore We should not administer it without having the supervision of a specialist. It is for this reason that we bring the necessary information about the side effects that acepromazine causes in dogs.
Hypothermia
Among the main side effects of acepromazine are hypothermia and This is due to peripheral vasodilation that causes. It is for this reason that its use as the only drug is not recommended and great care must be taken to keep the dog in a warm place while the effects of the drug remain.
Hypotension
There are breeds that have a greater sensitivity to suffer from profound hypotension, in this case we refer to the breeds that are brachiocephalic as is the case of the boxer or the bulldog, as well as other breeds that are much larger such as greyhounds.
These are breeds that they should receive slightly smaller doses or avoid the use of acepromazine.
Seizure threshold reduction
In ancient times, this drug was linked to an increased risk of seizures in animals that are much more sensitive. However, currently it has been considered that with the amount used in dogs, this risk becomes very low.
But on the other hand you have to avoid using this type of drug in dogs suffering from epilepsy.
The well-known prolapse of the third eyelid
Also called the nictitating membrane, in general, it is externalized while the effect of the drug lasts, however it returns to its initial position by itself at the moment that said effect disappears, being somewhat insignificant if we see it from a clinical perspective.
Prolonged sedation state
This may happen in those dogs that are debilitated or senile, showing a greater sensitivity towards the effects of this drug, as happens with the breeds of dogs that we have mentioned above or also in the case of brachiocephalic ones.
This sedative effect can last much longer and become much more profound.Therefore, it is something that we must take into account when monitoring each of the patients when the drug has been placed, as well as when making dose adjustments.
Hematocrit reduction
It is possible that the hematocrit decreases by approximately 17,8%, and this is due to the splenic sequestration of the red blood cells that are generated, therefore it is necessary to avoid it in dogs that are endemicIt is of great importance to measure the hematocrit before carrying out an intervention, especially in those where it is estimated that significant blood loss may occur.
Incoordination
Since this is a drug that has a depressant effect on the central nervous systemAs well as the reduction of the motor response, the dog may show some instability as well as incoordination, especially in the posterior third.
Uninhibited aggressive behavior
This is a reaction where the dog, instead of being relaxed and calm, displays aggressive and hyperactive behavior. For this reason, you must be very careful when using acepromazine.