ACEPROMAZINE
There is one drug commonly used in anesthetic protocols
that should not be used in the Boxer. The drug is Acepromazine, a tranquilizer,
which is often used as a preanesthetic agent. In the Boxer, it tends to cause a
problem called first degree heart block, a potentially serious arrhythmia of the
heart. It also causes a profound hypotension (severe lowering of the blood
pressure) in many Boxers that receive the drug.
Recently, on the Veterinary Information Network, a computer network
for practicing veterinarians, an announcement was placed in the cardiology
section entitled "Acepromazine and Boxers." This described several
adverse reactions to the drug in a very short time span at a veterinary teaching
hospital. All the adverse reactions were in Boxers. The reactions included
collapse, respiratory arrest, and profound bradycardia (slow heart rate, less
than 60 beats per minute). The announcement suggested that Acepromazine should
not be used in dogs of the Boxer breed because of a breed related sensitivity to
the drug.
WARNING:
This drug is the most commonly prescribed tranquilizer in veterinary
medicine. It is also used orally and is prescribed for owners who want to
tranquilize their dogs for air or car travel. I would strongly recommend that
Boxer owners avoid the use of this drug, especially when the dog will be
unattended and/or unable to receive emergency medical care if it is needed.
Submitted by Wendy Wallner, DVM July, 1997
If your vet needs more than your word
that you do NOT want your dog treated with this drug, tell your vet to get out
their "Handbook of Veterinary Drugs". Every vet has one. Tell them to
go to the section on ACEPROMAZINE. In this section (1993ed) There is this
section:
"Prolonged effects of the drug may be seen in older animals.
Giant breeds, as well as greyhounds, appear quite sensitive to the clinical
effects of the drug, yet terrier breeds appear more resistant. Boxer dogs, on
the other hand, are predisposed to hypotensive and bradycardic effects of the
drug."
This should be enough of a warning for your vet.