paige collier asked 4 weeks ago
My vet dentist recommends Acepromazine for dental, is it Safe? š¦·
Good evening, Dr. Kraemer
My French bulldog has a dental procedure coming up, and her dentist mentioned they will be using acepromazine as a pre-anesthetic sedative.
After reading online, many say bulldogs should not have this, but my vet is adamant that most vet anesthesiologists do use this.
Is Acepromazin Safe For French Bulldogs? šØ
Can I get your opinion on acepromazine and why it is being frowned upon? I am very anxious but also want to trust my vet (a board-certified pet dentist)
Sheās been under 3 times before (spay, cyst removal on her face, & mri 2 years ago for IVDD, no surgery). and has always done well, but it still doesnāt take away the anxiety.
Is the dental procedure worth the risk? š«
Her teeth and mouth donāt bother her, but she has a decent amount of tartar build-up, on and off inflamed gums, and her two bottom front teeth are getting some dark, almost little black spots. iāve tried brushing, but it isnāt going anywhere.
do you recommend the risk of dental cleanings if her mouth isnāt currently bothering her, or is it best to address it before any issues arise at an older age?
thank you ā¤ļø
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 3 weeks ago
Is acepromazine safe for bulldogs?
First off, I love those blue eyes! š
š©ŗYes, acepromazine is safe to use in bulldogs when used correctly. Iāve personally used it on thousands of bulldogs with great success.
ā ļø Like any medication, it has potential side effects, so itās important that your vet
- History: Takes a thorough medical history
- Exam: Does a full physical exam
- Drugs: Consider other medications your bully might be taking
- Dosage: Proper dosage customized for the breed
Why use acepromazine in bulldogs?
ā”ļø Relaxation and Calm: It provides excellent relaxation and calm, which is especially helpful for bulldogs with brachycephalic syndrome (that harsh, loud breathing you sometimes hear in bulldogs with BOAS).
ā”ļø Pre-Anesthetic: I use it frequently as a pre-anesthetic
Itās available as an injection or in tablet form, depending on the situation.
Acepromazine precaution measures in French Bulldogs?
ā ļøI use it at much lower doses for bulldogs and always consider their age and medical history. Here are a few things to watch for:
Bulldog Blood Pressure šØ
Acepromazine can lower blood pressure (hypotension) and slow heart rate (bradycardia); therefore, we often pair acepromazine with IV fluids and monitor their blood pressure and heart rate during use.
I donāt use acepromazine in bulldogs who are dehydrated, already hypotensive or have heart problems.
Acepromazine Anestesia Safety Summary:
Acepromazine is commonly and safely used in bulldogs for its calming effects and ability to reduce nausea. However, the dosage must be carefully adjusted to account for potential effects on breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
š”Remember, Itās less about the drug and more about the expertise of the person using it. Always work with a knowledgeable vet!
Should The Dental Procedure Be done on Your Frenchie?
From the photos you provided, I donāt see any major issues. However, looking at photos is inadequate, and itās important to note that conditions beneath the gum line can only be assessed with a radiograph.
I donāt see significant gum redness, which is often a sign of underlying dental problems. The plaque buildup appears mild, and the redness on the lip seems to be caused by contact with the upper canine rather than a more serious issue.
DENTAL ANESTHESIA CONCERNSšØ
Itās reassuring to hear that she did well during a previous anesthetic procedure. I completely understand your concerns about balancing the risks and rewards of anesthesia.
The key question to ask is whether there is enough long-term benefit to justify the risks involved.
š©ŗI recommend discussing this thoroughly with your veterinarian or dental specialist. They should be able to provide convincing evidence that the procedure is worth the risk.
Regardless of your decision, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for prevention and ongoing care.
ā”ļø Brushing: Keep up with regular brushingāmechanical brushing remains the most effective prevention.
ā”ļø Additionally, we offer dental water additives and antiseptic dental wipes that can complement your care routine.
ā”ļø Last, as always, staying active, a balanced diet, a proper oral microbiome, and a competently primed immune system will keep her oral cavity, gums, and teeth health & wellness.
Please keep me updated on what you decide, and let me know if you need any further guidance.
Warm regards,
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
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