ACE WARNING!
Acepromazine — WARNING
Acepromazine, a tranquilizer, that is often used as a pre-anasthetic agent, should not be used for the Boxer.In the Boxer, a problem known as first degree heart block, a potentially serious arrythmia of the heart, has been shown to be caused by Acepromazine. In addition, Acepromazine also causes a severe lowering of blood pressure in many Boxers.
In Boxers, adverse reactions from this tranquilizer include: collapse, respiratory arrest, and a slow heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute) — This was published on the Veterinary Information Network, entitled "Acepromazine and Boxers". The announcements suggested that Acepromazine should not be used in dogs of the Boxer breed because of a breed-related sensitivity to the drug.
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 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.
- Wendy Wallner, DVM December, 1995