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Discussion on Cyproheptadine for head shakers
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Member:
Lindac
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 8, 2003 - 12:13 pm:
Dr.O
I've read the article regarding the use of "cypro" for horses suffering from possible nerve problems (trigeminal) causing head shaking. If a horse responds well to this drug therapy is there a maintenance dose that should be worked towards and if so what would that be? Are there any known side effects from the use of this drug?
Thanks.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 9, 2003 - 8:23 am:
Unfortunately there are no clinical studies of the use of cyproheptadine in horses. Despite this it has been used for a wide varieties of disorders and there are no reports of adverse effects in horses. This combined with what is considered a very wide safety margin in other species suggest it is safe for the big majority of horses at published doses. This drug has both antihistimine and anticholinergic activity so sedation and dry mucous membranes would be expected with overdosage. Of course unusual reactions in individuals are always a possibility with any drug.
DrO
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Member:
Lindac
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 9, 2003 - 11:21 am:
DrO:
Thanks DrO. Just so I understand this correctly ... the published dosage (as per the Head Shaking article) would be the dosage the horse should remain on if he shows improvement?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Mar 10, 2003 - 6:33 am:
Yes but each case should be taken individually. Many head shakers are seasonal and may be able to go parts of the year without medication. Some horses may respond but lose that response, I would up their dose. Horses that respond rapidly and completely might try a little lower dose.
DrO
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Member:
Lindac
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Posted on Monday, Mar 10, 2003 - 10:35 am:
Thanks again. It's nice to know that a smaller dose could be just as effective and worth a try.
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Member:
Lindac
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 - 12:56 pm:
DrO:
Forgot to ask. If a horse has a seasonal skin condition that requires treatment with steroids (such as prednisolone or dexamethasone), does combining cypro with either of these steroids pose any problems healthwise for the horse?
Thanks.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Mar 17, 2003 - 11:00 am:
Hello Linda,
To answser your question we have a new article on cyproheptadine. Go to » Equine Medications and Nutriceuticals » Miscellaneous Drugs » Cyproheptadine for the very most on this medication. In researching this article new stuff has also been turned up on head shaking that we have added to the article so you might review it again too.
DrO
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