Modecate

RE: Modecate

Wren — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 09:26:09 GMT

[quote user="Richard Stephenson"]

This drug can have relatively serious side effects in horses see

(Please visit the site to view this video)

[/quote]

Probably worth mentioning that the horse in the video had 2.5x the recommended dose.

RE: Modecate

Wren — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 08:51:59 GMT

I have replied on the other thread. Haven't used it personally, but it is/was widely used in the States, often with little or no veterinary input. Everyone is looking for the 'quick fix'. Just look at the numbers of calmers on the market - there are literally hundreds of different brand names available. There are few cases where less food, more work and better horsemanship (this last being in particularly short supply) would not be more appropriate.

Aside from being an equine vet I have had many horses and competed to a high level in all disciplines. I get one or two unhandled horses each year to break in and sell on to as riding club/competition horses and I pride myself in making these good citizens of the world - laid back, able to handle new situations etc. etc. None of mine have ever needed any sort of calmer let alone sedative, not even the racehorses straight out of training.

The one situation that I would use as an exception would be horses on box rest for an injury, especially those that had been in hard work up until that point. These often require pharmaceutical help to prevent further injury both when on initial box rest and when first turned out again. Though there are much better, safer and more reliable drugs available for that than fluphenazine.

RE: Modecate

Richard Stephenson — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:01:41 GMT

This drug can have relatively serious side effects in horses see

www.youtube.com/watch

It has been used occasionally as a 'calmer' for horses under going prolonged box rest - given the potential for side effects, its off licence status etc I would find it difficult to justify using it. In defence of those who do it was some time before problems emerged with Modecate and for some horses the alternative might be euthanasia subsequent to failure of a fracture repair etc.