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  Discussion on Detomidine use in mules
Author Message
New Member:
reinnrun

Posted on Saturday, Dec 26, 2009 - 11:41 pm:

I am interested to know if detomidine is safe in mules and if it would be beneficial while working on the hind feet or are they still prone to kick? What is the recommended dosage for a mule? She is a little difficult and doesn't like farriers, so would like to use something a couple times to help do a better job on her feet. Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 - 8:51 am:

Hello Karen,
I would not recommend detomidine alone as a first choice for handling the back feet for the reasons described under adverse reactions in the article. Better would be fairly large doses of acepromazine if mild sedation is enough. If not then I would use a detomidine / torbugesic combination. The problem is the dosage must be carefully titrated to keep the animal from kicking yet steady enough to stand on three feet.

In general it is believed that sedation using detomidine in both asses and mules requires a bit higher dosage, 1.5 times the horse dosage. I would note that while this may be true there are some horses that require 50% more than the average horse to achieve the same amount of sedation. Are you interested in giving this IM or IV?
DrO
New Member:
reinnrun

Posted on Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 - 10:21 pm:

I would probably give IM since she is a little difficult with shots. I could try the Ace first either IM or orally. Could you give me the recommended dosages for mules and the length of time for best effects. I can usually do shots alone but she is very distrusting of vets and farriers. Any good quiet mule trainers out there??
New Member:
reinnrun

Posted on Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 - 10:25 pm:

I would probably give IM since she is a little difficult with shots. I could try the Ace first either IM or orally. Could you give me the recommended dosages for mules and the length of time for best effects. I can usually do shots alone but she is very distrusting of vets and farriers. Any good quiet mule trainers out there??
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Dec 28, 2009 - 9:20 am:

regn, my specific recommendations are in the articles. I have rewritten several sections of the detomidine article to make this information clearer and easier to understand particularly for procedures like trimming and shoeing and how these dosages apply to mules. However you should talk these recommendations over with your veterinarian to determine the best dose for your mule.
DrO
Member:
reinnrun

Posted on Monday, Dec 28, 2009 - 2:49 pm:

thank you, the articles were quite informative
Member:
annimule

Posted on Monday, Dec 28, 2009 - 5:01 pm:

Re: tranquilizing mules to do their feet. We work with many mules at the rescue, a lot of them with hooves in dire need of trimming. We have used Dormosedan but I was not happy with the effect. What we have found to work best is using a lead rope to desensitize them to having their feet messed with, then picked up. If you can get a loop around your mules back foot then gently lift it so it is "just" off the ground, say YES,and lower the foot as someone at his head gives him a treat. Repeat as many times as it takes, lifting the foot a bit higher each time. We have had very good luck with this technique. It takes time, but it seems as though once you get their trust, you are good to go. A mule owning friend of mine has started a yahoo group called training/handling/mules@yahoogroups.com All are welcome to join. We compare notes and share training tips.

Good luck with your mule.

Ann

Ann W. Firestone, President
Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue
at Broomtail Farm
23 Saw Mill Road
South Acworth, NH 03607
www.saveyourassrescue.org
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