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  Discussion on Need More Info Re Reserpine
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 5, 1999 - 11:02 am:

TWH gelding, Stoni,I've discussed in
forum.Yesterday Stoni bolted with my husband and could't be stopped.Husband bailed off instead of smashing into a trailer-I suspect some cracked ribs.I rode Stoni later and he also bolted with me - I managed to circle him & get off with less damage.This always occurs out of the round pen or ring. Meeting with a trainer this PM , but she's not hopeful- thinks after 2 months work Stoni's behavior may indicate psychological problems.I'm not ready to give up yet- she will help me with ground work.I would not sell this horse to ANYONE & don't want to put him down.Is it true horses are worse after you discontinue reserpine TX, and that this only masks problems?All we want from this horse is trailriding.If we must keep him on a calming drug I feel this is better than destroying him.Except for the article by DrO and what I find in the human PDR I can't find info about this medication.
Thanks

Posted on Sunday, Dec 5, 1999 - 11:07 am:

PS - We do not suspect this horse was previously drugged , rather are searching for something to help us get him under control.We are getting very contradictory advice pro & con from friends and "professionals". Thanks again

Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 1999 - 2:28 pm:

Hello Sharon,
I have not heard of a rebound factor with reserpine but do not use the drug so have no personal experience. The drug works by depleting a particular type of neurotransmittier. It is possible that the body, sensing the decrease in the transimitter, could respond by increasing the number or sensitivity of the receptors. Now when the animal comes off the drug he may respond with increased undesirable behavior. I suspect much depends of dosages, length of treatment, and individual variation of sensitivity to the drug.

I do not recommend non-professionl equestrians ride tranquilized horses, though I have a few that feel they need 2 cc's of ace IM for the first hour of riding to "take the edge off". This seems common among field hunters and field trialers. I suspect I am risking a law suit if they are injured, even after careful explanation of the dangers.

Ask yourself: is this type horse the reason I got a horse and if the answer is no, the solution is obvious. As far as money is concerned: there is nothing as expensive as a broken neck.
DrO
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