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There is one drug used in
anesthetic protocols that should not be used on the Boxer. That drug is Acepromazine, a tranquilizer that is often used as a preanesthetic agent. In the Boxer, it tends to cause
a problem called first-degree heart block, a potentially serious
arrhythmia of the heart. It also causes a profound hypo tension (severe
lowering of the blood pressure) in many Boxers that are given the drug.
Recently on the Veterinary Information Network, a computer network for
practicing veterinarians, an announcement was placed in the cardiology
section entitled "Acepromazine and
Boxers". This described several adverse reactions to the drug in a
very short time span at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. All the adverse
reactions were in Boxers. The reactions included collapse, respiratory
arrest, and profound bradycardia (slow heart
rate, less than 60 beats per minute). The announcement suggested that acepromazine should not be used in dogs of the Boxer
breed because of breed related sensitivity to the drug.
Further warning from a
boxer breeder and veterinarian:
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
If your vet needs more than your word that you do NOT want your
boxer treated with this drug, tell your vet to refer to their
"Handbook of Veterinary Drugs". Every vet has one. Tell them to
go to the section on ACEPROMAZINE. In this section (1993ed) they will
find this information:
"Prolonged effects of the drug may be
seen in older animals. Giant breeds, as well as greyhounds, appear quite
sensitive to the clinical effects of the drug, yet terrier breeds appear
more resistant. Boxer dogs, on the other hand, are predisposed to hypotensive and bradycardic
effects of the drug."
When you first take your boxer to a vet (or to a new vet), for any
kind of treatment have them write in red on the outside of the patient
record "NO ACE". Be firm! If they refuse to do this then I
would immediately remove my dog and find another vet.
Don't be fooled by an
uninformed vet...this is a matter of LIFE AND DEATH!
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