Abstract
The application of diazepam in clinical equine practice has come into favor in recent years. This review covers the relevant studies concerning the pharmacological properties, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of diazepam and its clinical use in the horse. As a benzodiazepinic drug diazepam potentates GABA-mediated inhibition in the CNS. It exerts its principal action in the brain stem reticular formation and produces hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and skeletal muscle-relaxant effects. However, Diazepam is largely used in equine practice in combination with ketamine and xylazine hydrochloride for induction of anesthesia and alone as a sedative/ataractic/neuroleptic. We aimed to present a general discussion of the relevant data from pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and clinical studies and subsequently to evaluate their results. The discussion is based on our results, reported partially in previous publications including an evaluation of the literature. Available knowledge concerning the pharmacology of diazepam and its application in the horse is presented. The relative merits and demerits of a variety of agents intended for use in horses are discussed, with the aim of providing practitioners and clinicians with a wider selection of safe drugs for equine sedation and premedication.
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