The first and only equine benzodiazepine licensed for the intravenous co-induction of anaesthesia in horses has been unveiled by Dechra Veterinary Products.
Dormazolam, the first veterinary licensed midazolam (5mg/ml), works in synergy with other induction agents to provide an extended duration of anaesthesia without adversely affecting the quality of recovery.
It has been introduced as part of Dechra’s extensive equine anaesthesia solutions range.
Benzodiazepines are commonly incorporated into anaesthetic regimens to alleviate issues seen with the administration to ketamine alone, including inadequate muscle relaxation, anaesthesia not lasting long enough and induction failure.
Despite the issues caused by the sole use of ketamine, it remains the primary anaesthetic induction agent of choice for more than 90 percent of equine veterinarians.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “Using Dormazolam as part of an equine anaesthesia protocol will give optimal general anaesthetic conditions every time, including a rapid onset of action.
“Anaesthetic co-induction with ketamine and midazolam has been shown to provide a superior quality of anaesthesia compared to ketamine alone and midazolam is equally as effective as diazepam when used as a co-induction agent alongside ketamine. It also cuts down on the number of ketamine ‘top-up’ doses required compared to using ketamine alone.
“Additional benefits include no clinically significant differences in cardiopulmonary function or recovery times between midazolam and diazepam and it can be mixed in the same syringe as ketamine for ease of use.”
Emma added: “The introduction of Dormazolam provides an exciting new option for equine vets. It delivers enhanced anaesthetic and surgical conditions by improving anaesthetic induction quality and giving better surgical relaxation scores. It also reduces involuntary movements because, as a co-induction agent, midazolam only causes minimal cardiovascular and pulmonary depression.”
Dormazolam is available in a 20 ml vial. It has a shelf life of four years and a broached shelf life of 28 days.
For more information about Dormazolam and how it can be used in partnership with Dechra’s equine anaesthesia app, visit the website.
