Posted by M. W. Myers, D.V.M. on July 01, 2003 at 20:37:03:
In Reply to: Re: Use of Ace??? posted by R.C. on July 01, 2003 at 00:55:44:
: : I'm new to this board, as well as new to being a farrier(ess)! so please bear with me. I recently started working primarily on call in an equine clinic in Southern California -- primarily rather flighty performance horses with special needs. Most of the time, they're pretty well behaved (as are the owners) but there are several times I have feared for my life....I guess that't pretty typical when you're bent over in front a stallion fresh off the track :) The vets I work with have supplied me with acepromezine AND I have taken the appropriate classes to give IV, IM and SubQ injections -- they see no reason to attempt to force a horse into compliance and truthfully I CAN'T force them. I'm fairly small and they're fairly large. So we sedate them a little and everybody is happy. In addition, I ONLY use the ace on animals pre-approved by the vets and I ALWAYS make one last call prior to the injection to confirm dosage, etc.
: : Here's my question -- a few weeks ago I was at a client's stable. They are regular clients at the clinic and have decided to use me more regularly. With one horse I suggested the use of ace, and was promptly fired. They claimed no "respectable, responsible" farrier would dope a horse and threated to call the humane authorities, my employers, etc.... total smear campain which I can't really fathom as necessary.
: : AM I WRONG???? If so, I will glady hand over my syringe!
: : Feel free to lash into me, I need the input desperately!
: : Thanks
: : Lynn Dague
: Hi Anne, Your safety is foremost. I've worked on some horses that have had to be needled. But I do have a concern about you doing the needling. In some states it is illegal for anyone other than a vet doing injections on horses other than your own. Also if something goes wrong because of the drugs you have administered is the vet advising you going to take responsibility. Thats an awful huge liability, I hope you have good insurance. Be careful
This is always a very ticklish situation. In the future, unless you are very familiar with a client, do not offer to do the injection yourself, especially to "save them money". Bring up the suggestion and then have them discuss it with their veterinarian. If you are lucky, this will be the same veterinarian as the one supplying your acepromazine. If it is not they can pay to have their veterinarian to administer the injection and then you can safely shoe the horse.
Your insurance will not cover sedation reactions administered by you as that constitutes a veterinary procedure, so when you do it you are totally on your own.
M. W. Myers, D.V.M.