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  Discussion on Long term use of ace
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 15, 2001 - 9:11 pm:

my 5 yr old TB mare has been on stall rest for about 3 months now ( suspensory problem) I am concerned about the use of ace for extended periods of time. can this cause liver damage or any type of mental problems. she gets anywhere from 3 to 5 ccs twice a day either orally or IM
There is no way to safely hand walk her without the ace. If you feel the drug could cause problems I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tried some of the herbal calmatives,they are ok for the stall but not for walking.

Posted on Friday, Feb 16, 2001 - 6:55 am:

The ace at moderate doses will PROBABLY be safe for several months use in a horse with no other health problems than the lameness. No one can guarantee that you might not have some idiosyncratic reaction to the ace or even the herbal calmatives.
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 22, 2002 - 9:20 pm:

any information on the long term use of ace and weaning" your horse off of it without too much craziness. I am bringing my horse back into a working routine after 5 months of stall rest and daily doses of ace. She is still moderatley sedated to try and work her(2 cc. on the tongue)but is prone to unexpected explosions of bucking and rearing which she never did before her confinement. I am fearful that the prolonged use of this drug has changed her. Any information regarding this would be helpful.thank you.

Posted on Friday, Aug 23, 2002 - 7:28 am:

These type reactions are common, even expected, after long term confinement whether you use ace or not. You need to be sure the horse gets plenty of exercise before you ride. If the bucking is too much for you, perhaps a professional trainer until the buck is out would help.

I have not found any reports of damage from long term use of ace and it is pretty commonly used for this. I do think gradually reducing the dosage over several weeks and replacing this with exercise might help.
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 23, 2002 - 8:05 am:

Dear Dr. Ogelsby,
Thanks for the confirmation of the direction I have been headed in-I do have a trainer helping me and try to get some of the "bugs" out of her before working her. I guess more patience on my part is needed and giving her as much exercise as I possibly can. Thank you.
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