Atropine injection for respiratory issues

[alisonpook]

Hi - I have an old horse of 30 with respiratory issues. An atropine injection is one of the options. Has anyone any experience of this. I believe the potential downside is colic.

 

[stranger1612]

An excellent method of providing relief in the acutely distressed animal it will only work for a short period of time (minutes).

 

[Llwyncwn]

Only used it for eyes (drops), never heard of injections. Stranger sounds knowledgeable and worth nagging for more info! Have you googled it?

 

[irishdraught]

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Only used it for eyes (drops), never heard of injections.

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As above, opens up the pupil. I don't know if it works any other way.

 

[alisonpook]

Thankyou for your responses. The vet came and checked him again and his heart rate and breathing are much improved so have decided to postphone injection for the time being.

 

[OakeyT]

For your information atropine works roughly by decreasing bronchiole secretions, but can also affect the gut motility (which is why you have to monitor for colic). But I would only use it in respiratory emergencys, along with steroids and ventipulmin so not sure what use your vet was thinking of it for?!
Please ask your vet if they mention something (drug/treatment) you don't understand-we all have areas in life that we know more about and those we don't -believe me vets included!