Detomidine
Also known as: Dormosedan
> **Important Guidance for Owners:** * This drug is a potent sedative and should only be used in a professionally supervised setting by individuals familiar with its properties. * Even if your horse appears deeply asleep, they can still react suddenly and kick if startled by loud noises or touch. Always approach sedated horses with caution. * If using the oral gel at home under veterinary direction, wear impermeable gloves to prevent the drug from absorbing through your skin.
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
- Anesthesia
- Analgesia
- Anesthesia
- Analgesia
- Sedation/analgesia
- Analgesia
- Sedation/analgesia
- Sedation/analgesia (Sublingual Gel)
- Marked abdominal pain (not surgical candidates or long transport)
- Sedation/analgesia with butorphanol
- Adjunctive treatment of moderate pain
- Caudal epidural analgesia
- Oral administration when not amenable to injections
- CRI for standing chemical restraint and analgesia (Protocol 1)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Initial blood pressure increase (hypertension)
- Profound bradycardia and heart block (AV block)
- Piloerection
- Sweating
- Ataxia
- Salivation
- Slight muscle tremors
- Penile prolapse
- Decreased gastrointestinal motility
Cautions & contraindications
- Preexisting AV or SA heart block
- Severe coronary insufficiency
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Severe respiratory disease
- Chronic renal failure
- > **Clinical Precautions:** * **Shock & Organ Dysfunction:** Use cautiously in animals with endotoxic/traumatic shock, or advanced hepatic/renal disease. * **Stress Factors:** Administer carefully to horses stressed by temperature extremes, fatigue, or high altitude. Consider lower doses in summer heat. * **Gastrointestinal:** Inhibits GI motility; use with prudence in patients treated for intestinal impactions. May mask abdominal pain in colic cases, complicating diagnosis. * **Safety:** Wear impermeable gloves when administering the sublingual gel to avoid human exposure.
Drug interactions
- Other Alpha-2 Agonists (e.g., xylazine, medetomidine, clonidine): Not recommended to be used together as effects may be additive.
- Anesthetics, Opiates, Sedative/Hypnotics: Effects may be additive; dosage reduction required. Increased risk for arrhythmias with thiopental, ketamine, or halothane.
- Epinephrine: Do not use to treat cardiac effects caused by detomidine, as epinephrine possesses alpha agonist effects.
- Phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine): Severe hypotension can result.
- Potentiated Sulfonamides (e.g., trimethoprim/sulfa): Fatal dysrhythmias may occur if used with intravenous potentiated sulfonamides.
Frequently asked questions
What is Detomidine used for in pets?
> **Important Guidance for Owners:** * This drug is a potent sedative and should only be used in a professionally supervised setting by individuals familiar with its properties. * Even if your horse appears deeply asleep, they can still react suddenly and kick if startled by loud noises or touch. Always approach sedated horses with caution. * If using the oral gel at home under veterinary direction, wear impermeable gloves to prevent the drug from absorbing through your skin.
Is Detomidine 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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