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1.) Gunner will be given his first dose of Ace for a visit to the clinic so that the effects of the sedation can be tested.
It is possible for dogs to overcome the effects of the drugs (at least temporarily) so the first visit will be a test to see
how well the drug is working on the dog and to see if there are any side effects. The first dose is a trial run to test the
drug and try to relax Gunner so when he comes for his second visit he is more relaxed and he can get his
vaccinations and check-up.
2.) Some of the risks associated with taking the mediation ACE for Gunner are decreased respiratory rates, decrease in
the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood, lower arterial blood pressure, a increase in central venous
pressure, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, seizures in epileptic animals and the prolapse of the membrana
nictitans.
3.) Ace is breed dependent in dogs. German shepherds have an approximately frequency of 10% for having the
MDR1 mutation. If a dog has a MDR1 mutation then there is a possibility of deeper sedation that persists longer than
it should. To avoid that Gunner should be given 1/4 less Ace then is recommended. It can be determined from
examining him on his first visit if this was enough Ace or if the recommended amount of Ace can be taken.
4.) This drug should not be given to stallions because in male large animals Ace can cause penile prolapse (inability
to retract the penis back into the sheath) for up to 2 hours. For a stallion the penis may also swell and cause
permanent paralysis of the penis retractor muscle.
5.) LD means lethal dose. So LD50 is the amount of the drug is needed to cause death to 50% of the population.
LD50 is a way to measure the short-term poisoning potential of a material. The LD50 for mice was 61mg/kg by IV
and 257mg/kg for oral dose. Dogs given 20-40mg/kg for 6weeks showed no effect but dogs given 220mg/kg orally
showed signs of pulmonary edema and hyperemia of internal organs. But no fatalities were noted.
6.) If this dose does not work then I would try to desensitize both the owner and Gunner by having more routine non-
stressful office visits. These visits would be just a quick visit in the waiting room and a treat. Another option to
avoid veterinary office stress would be to find a mobile veterinarian. So that he doesnt have to be stressed in driving
to the clinic, seeing other animals, and/or strange smells. If these do not work then a meeting with the owner would
need to be made to see where she stands with Gunner receiving anesthesia. Anesthesia would be the last resort but if
nothing else works then this would need to be done so that the do could be vaccinated.
7.) Heredity disease German shepherds could have that would affect Ace would be epilepsy. If Gunner has epilepsy
and is given Ace it may cause seizures. It is important to tell the owner that this is a possibility so that she can look
for signs so that Gunner is having seizures so the vet can be informed. This is also a good time to talk to the owner
about Gunners home life to see if he shows any signs or symptoms of having epilepsy. This can be very difficult
since some seizures are difficult to tell that they are occurring.