Azaperone
Also known as: Stresnil, Suicalm
* **Administration**: Must be injected deeply into the muscle (IM), typically behind the ear and perpendicular to the skin, or in the back of the ham. * **Environment**: After injection, **leave the pig completely undisturbed for at least 20 minutes**. Disturbing the animal during the onset phase can trigger excitement or panic. * **Group Treatments**: When mixing pigs, ensure *all* animals in the group are treated to prevent untreated pigs from attacking sedated ones. * **What to Expect**: You may notice temporary drooling, panting, shivering, or pigs piling on top of each other. This is normal and should pass.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Mixing feeder or weanling pigs
- Aggression (prevention and cure of fighting; including regrouping of piglets, porkers, fattening pigs)
- Treatment of aggression in sows
- Stress (restlessness, anxiety, etc.)
- Transport of boars
- Transport of weaners
- Obstetrics
- As a premed
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Transient salivation
- Piling
- Panting
- Shivering
- Hypotension
- Penis extrusion in boars (at doses >1 mg/kg)
- Hypoventilation and hypoxemia (when used in BAM combo in deer)
Cautions & contraindications
- Intravenous (IV) administration
- Very cold conditions (risk of cardiovascular collapse)
- **Do not give IV** as a significant excitatory phase may be seen in pigs. Avoid use in very cold conditions as cardiovascular collapse may occur secondary to peripheral vasodilation. Do not exceed dosing recommendations in boars as the drug may cause the penis to be extruded. Because Vietnamese Pot Bellied pigs may have delayed absorption due to sequestration of the drug in body fat, re-dose with extreme caution; deaths have resulted after repeat dosing. Pigs should be left undisturbed for approximately 20 minutes after injection.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressant Agents (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics): May cause additive CNS depression if used concurrently with butyrophenones.
Frequently asked questions
What is Azaperone used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Must be injected deeply into the muscle (IM), typically behind the ear and perpendicular to the skin, or in the back of the ham. * **Environment**: After injection, **leave the pig completely undisturbed for at least 20 minutes**. Disturbing the animal during the onset phase can trigger excitement or panic. * **Group Treatments**: When mixing pigs, ensure *all* animals in the group are treated to prevent untreated pigs from attacking sedated ones. * **What to Expect**: You may notice temporary drooling, panting, shivering, or pigs piling on top of each other. This is normal and should pass.
Is Azaperone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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