Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.
Acepromazine is dosed at 0.25–1 mg/kg IM not stated in source in rabbits, per Morissey JM, Carpenter JW. Appendix: Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, OrcuttCJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.854 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.4 (Chemical Restraint/Sedative/Anesthetic/Analgesic Agents Used in Rabbits.a,b). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the CNS, producing sedation and anxiolysis. Also has alpha-1 adrenergic blocking properties causing vasodilation.
Side effects & warnings
Hypotension (alpha blockade) — avoid in hypovolemic patients. DO NOT use in giant breeds (boxers extremely sensitive — exaggerated hypotension). No analgesic effect. Lowers seizure threshold. Not reversible.
Species with Acepromazine dosing data (18 dose rules)
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Sample dosing (2 of 18 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 17 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
Plumb's 10th ed printed p.2, Acepromazine monograph spanning p.2-6.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure.
Allerton F, ed. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary Part A: Canine and Feline. 10th ed. BSAVA; 2020. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.2, Acepromazine monograph spanning p.2-6. — CEILING: Papich, Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — "Do not exceed 3 mg total in dogs."Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure.
· 122. Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.782 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.3 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Rodents).
· 130. Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630.; 172. Wenger S. Anesthesia and analgesia in rabbits and rodents. J Exot Pet Med. 2012;21:7-16. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.782 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2011.11.010 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.3 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Rodents).
· 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.234 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a).
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