by Wendy Wallner, DVM
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
