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  Discussion on Side effects of Reserpine
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 26, 2000 - 1:11 pm:

Dr. O,
It is interesting that the first time I had heard of Reserpine was last week - with the unhappy horse, Stoni, having been given it. Now I hear of it being recommended by a barn owner for a horse who is a little lively. This same barn owner recommends acepromazine before a lesson! Fortunately, the owner took good advice and is moving her horse. But in this discussion, it came out that there is a connection between Reserpine and pneumonia and that this is one of the reasons that a lot of show horses disappear at the end of the show season!!??!! Pretty horrific. Have you heard this?
Alexa

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 26, 2000 - 7:15 pm:

I posted about reserpine for a lay-up.. Anyway, I've heard of lots of hunter folks using Ace fairly regular before lessons, but not Reserpine. I decided against using it for my mare's return to the outside world after 88 days of stall confinement--I Ace'd her pretty good to get her going back out.
I did read a post somewhere about using reserpine for a horse who was uncontrolable.
Reserpine had too many side effects for me to use.
It was (is?) used a lot on the track and I've also heard that lots of field hunters use it.
Interesting about the pneumonia connection..

Posted on Thursday, Jan 27, 2000 - 9:59 am:

I cannot believe that people would recommend giving ACP to a horse prior to riding it. Think what we are like if we are just a bit sleepy or tired - a horse could easily stumble or lose coordination with disasterous results for itself and the rider. If it is too lively at a show or in a lesson then it needs better schooling, or a period to release some excess energy before the serious stuff begins. If it is still a bit wild then it isn't suitable for that purpose and should sold to someone who can cope with it or will not expose it to such exciting environments. My own horse used to go crazy at the sight of open space but by being persistant and consistant she is now a pleasant if lively hack who knows and obeys the rules.

Posted on Thursday, Jan 27, 2000 - 3:52 pm:

Hello All,
No I have not heard of the pneumonia issue nor do I believe that a lot of show horses disappear because of rampant reserpine use.

When doses get high a nasty diarrhea amd colic can develop. The only documented case of toxicosis I can find is the one described in out article on reserpine. I find that odd for a drug who's use was so wide spread at one time but the literature states so unequivocally about high toxicity. It begins to make me wonder if this drug has gotten a fair shake.
DrO
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