There is one drug used in anesthetic protocols that should not be
used in the Boxer. That drug is Acepromazine, a tranquilizer, that is often used as a
preanesthetic agent. In the Boxer, it tends to cause a problem called first degree heart
block, a potentially serious arrythmia of the heart. It also causes a profound hypotension
(severe lowering of the blood pressure) in many Boxers that are given the drug. Recently
on the Veterinary Information Network, a computer network for practicing veterinarians, an
announcement was placed in the cardiology section entitled "Acepromazine and
Boxers". This described several adverse reactions to the drug in a very short time
span at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. All the adverse reactions were in Boxers. The
reactions included collapse, respiratory arrest, and profound bradycardia (slow heart
rate, less than 60 beats per minute). The announcement suggested that acepromazine
should not be used in dogs of the Boxer breed because of a breed-related sensitivity to
the drug.
WARNING: This drug is the most commonly prescribed tranquilizer in veterinary medicine. It
is also used orally and is prescribed for owners who want to tranquilize their dogs for
air travel. I would strongly recommend that Boxer owners avoid the use of this drug,
especially when the dog will be unattended and/or unable to receive emergency medical care
if it is needed. |