Is there a difference between a tranquillizer and a sedative?
These two terms basically refer to the same types of products. The term tranquillizers is more commonly used when referring to their use as a veterinary treatment for a horse.
Are tranquillizers/sedatives used commonly in horses?
Yes. They are one of, if not the most commonly used drugs in equine medicine.
What effect does a tranquillizer/sedative have on a horse?
As the term implies, the effect of a tranquillizer or sedative is that the horse becomes calmer, quieter and more tranquil or sleepy, while it still remains in a standing position. However the tranquillized animal is capable of feeling pain. Therefore it is not possible or acceptable on animal welfare grounds, to carry out even the simplest of minor surgery, for example stitching a wound, without the aid of a local anaesthetic.What types of tranquillizers/sedatives are used in horses?
There are two main options here:
1. Injectable tranquillizer/sedative which may be subdivided into two categories depending on how they are to be administered to the horse:
Intramuscular (into the muscle) Intravenous (into the vein)2.Oral tranquilizers/sedative which may be in the form of either:
Paste (in a tube)TabletPowder The development of a wide range of very strong effective tranquillizers over the years has helped enormously in the handling of more fractious animals which has become a relatively simple task as a result of their ease of availability.What are the differences in the effects of a tranquillizer/sedative and a general anaesthetic on a horse?
As already outlined, a tranquillizer or sedative effectively makes the horse more tranquil or sleepy, while it still remains in a standing position. However the tranquillised animal is capable of feeling pain. General anaesthesia, on the other hand, results in recumbency of the animal. This allows major surgery to be carried out without the animal feeling pain, which is contingent on the level of anaesthesia. The task of getting the animal to the required level of anaesthesia, plus monitoring and maintaining it throughout the operation, is a very important aspect of all surgical procedures. This job is carried out by the anaesthetist. What are the risks associated with the use of tranquillizers/sedatives?
When using tranquillizers, the risks to the animal are minimal in terms of health and survival.However there can be a greater risk of injury for the veterinary surgeon or operator here, when using a tranquillizer (as opposed to using a general anaesthetic).Why is there a risk to the veterinary surgeon or operator when using a tranquillizer/sedative on a horse during a procedure?
While the treated animal may appear to be very sleepy and quiet, it remains in the standing position and capable of delivering that very accurate kick. As so many of us have come to realise, this kick does not come in slow motion, nor is a kick from a tranquillized horse softer or less injurious to the recipient! Are tranquillizers/sedatives more hazardous to the animal than the use of a general anaesthetic?
No. On a general basis, sedatives do not pose a significant risk to the animal and while a very low percentage of horses may develop excessive incoordination and may tend to stumble, post administration of the tranquillizer, injuries are rarely incurred as the horse is adequately relaxed at this stage of the normal response to a tranquillizer. Alternatively, general anaesthesia, while it carries a lesser risk for the veterinary surgeon, exposes the horse to hazards such as:Hypersensitivity reactions and resultant death. Even under optimum conditions, the risk of death of the animal under general anaesthesia can be as high as 1%.The possibility of injury to the horse during the initial stages of anaesthesia when it is going down.There is also an injury risk during the recovery stages from general anaesthesia when the horse is attempting to get back up on its feet again. Consequently the veterinary surgeon tries to restrict the use of general anaesthesia to a minimum, i.e. only where it is essential. Otherwise the veterinary surgeon will opt to use a combination of a tranquillizer/sedative, plus local anaesthetic to carry out the operation in a standing position - even though it places the veterinary surgeon at a higher level of risk. Are tranquillizers used in horses in training and in performance horses?
Currently under the rules of racing (Turf Club) and under FEI Rules, the use of sedatives/tranquillizers is banned.
It is likely that in the past, their limited use may have occurred, but with the more recent and current efficient testing regime carried out by Turf Club, FEI, Horse Sport Ireland, SJAI etc, their use for this purpose is now to a large extent defunct.
While advocates of homeopathic agents may tend to promote their use as effective “calmers”, however, many trainers and owners find that these products are very limited or of negligible value in terms of their long term training benefits or effectiveness.
The current position, whereby the use of sedatives and homeopathic agents may be used as an aid during the initial pre-training stages, (but not in the actual training stages), is now under review and likely to be subject to change in the near future.