Hello all, bit of a random question but I'll give it a go.

Immobilon - the sedative used for large animals, is it the most widely used? Does anyone know why? Are there alternatives and for what reasons would a vet use another type of sedative?

Thanks very much!

Hi,

The great advantages of Immobilon are
1. It has a very rapid 'knock-down' onset
2.There is a specific antagonist, Revivon, which gets the patient back on its feet within 1 minute.

The disadvantages are:

1. Immobilon is EXTREMELY dangerous to man and needs to be handled with very great care. Humans are many times more sensitive to it than are horses or dogs.
Several vets have died accidentally ( and suicidally) using it.
2 Muscle relaxation in horses can be inadequate when sedated with Immobilon

Other sedatives are safer and better when used as 'pre-meds' before anaesthesia

I am sure that others more knowledgeable about anaesthesia who may read this will offer a more expert opinion.

W