Acepromazine Canine Dosage: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Acepromazine is a commonly used tranquilizer and antiemetic for dogs. It belongs to the phenothiazine class of drugs, which have sedative, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects. Acepromazine is often used in veterinary medicine to manage anxiety, agitation, motion sickness, and other conditions.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of acepromazine for dogs varies depending on the desired effect, the individual dog's size and health status, and the route of administration.

Oral Administration

• Sedation: 0.05-0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)
• Antiemetic: 0.25-1 mg/kg BW

Intramuscular (IM) or Intravenous (IV) Administration

• Sedation: 0.025-0.1 mg/kg BW
• Antiemetic: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg BW

Rectal Administration

• Sedation: 0.2-1 mg/kg BW
• Antiemetic: 0.4-0.8 mg/kg BW

Administration

Acepromazine can be administered orally, IM, IV, or rectally. Oral administration is preferred for short-term sedation (less than 6 hours). IM or IV administration is used for longer-term sedation or in emergency situations. Rectal administration is typically used in uncooperative or anxious dogs.

Onset and Duration of Action

• Oral: Onset within 30-60 minutes, duration of 4-6 hours
• IM or IV: Onset within 10-15 minutes, duration of 4-8 hours
• Rectal: Onset within 15-30 minutes, duration of 6-12 hours

Factors Affecting Dosage

The following factors can influence the optimal dose of acepromazine for a dog:

• Age (older dogs may require lower doses)
• Size (larger dogs typically require higher doses)
• Health status (liver or kidney disease may require lower doses)
• Concurrent medications
• Desired level of sedation

Table 1: Acepromazine Dosage for Dogs

Precautions

Acepromazine should be used with caution in dogs with the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Seizures
• Pregnancy

Contraindications

Acepromazine is contraindicated in dogs with:

• Severe hypotension
• Hypovolemia
• Shock

Adverse Effects

Acepromazine can cause side effects, including:

• Sedation
• Ataxia (incoordination)
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Respiratory depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Table 2: Common Acepromazine Adverse Effects

Table 3: Acepromazine Drug Interactions

Monitoring

Dogs receiving acepromazine should be monitored closely for any adverse effects, especially respiratory depression and hypotension.

Additional Information

• Acepromazine should not be used in dogs that are allergic to it.
• Acepromazine can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your veterinarian about all medications your dog is taking before administering acepromazine.
• Acepromazine is a controlled substance in many countries, so it is important to use it responsibly and according to veterinary instructions.

Conclusion

Acepromazine is a safe and effective tranquilizer and antiemetic for dogs when used appropriately. By understanding the recommended dosage, administration methods, and precautions, veterinary professionals can use acepromazine effectively to manage anxiety, agitation, motion sickness, and other conditions in dogs.