Sedation

We all know that some horses do not like certain procedures or activities to be carried out, and it may be dangerous for the handler or vet - or cause too much stress (and potential injury) for the horse themselves. If this is your situation, and it varies from horse to horse, it is better to sedate the animal to reduce the risk to all people involved and limit the amount of distress caused to the horse or pony.

Some reasons for sedating include the following, but this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Farriery
  • Clipping
  • Dental Examinations
  • Loading
  • Travelling

TYPES OF SEDATION

Which type of sedation your vet prescribes (sometimes a combination) will depend on what it’s needed for – for example, clipping, dentistry or wound repair – and how stressed your horse is likely to be. Your input in this decision is also important as it may be that your horse has had the procedure before, so you can tell your vet how he reacted to it. Depending on for which procedure the sedation is required and the temperament of the horse, these factors will influence which method of sedation is chosen.

Acepromazine (ACP) - This type of sedative is available as an injectable, which vets can inject into the vein or muscle, and in an oral form, either as a paste or as tablets. It can take from 15 minutes to 1 hour to take effect depending on the route of administration, so it’s very important that you allow the recommended amount of time before you attempt to perform the task your horse needs sedating for. 

ACP is classed as a calming drug. This means it’ll take the edge off, but if your horse is very agitated it may not be strong enough.

Detomidine gel - This sedative is only effective if it’s absorbed under your horse’s tongue, so it’s important that it’s administered correctly. Once the dose has been delivered, it’ll take around 20 - 30 minutes to take effect and gives a good level of sedation. 

The duration of each sedative will vary as a result of which one or combination is used and what procedure is being carried out. 

Always remember to be extra careful around a sedated horse, and to remove food for at least an hour after the horse has been sedated. 

To discuss sedation in more detail, please contact us.

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Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
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Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
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