Calmer for clipping

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My pony hates being clipped but I want to avoid calling the vet out and getting him sedated every time I want him clipped. Does anyone have suggestions of something that can be bought over the counter than I can give him to calm him down a little? (It would never be used before being ridden)
 

jumbyjack

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My Shetland is dangerous to clip and is needle phobic so I use Dormosedan Gel. It comes in a syringe and is squirted under the tongue, it works so well for her and no waiting for the vet. It is prescription only though. So far pony has had no side effects, I also use it for physio and teeth.
 

Pinkvboots

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It depends what the horse does if the horse is that bad and its potentially dangerous an over the counter product won't do much.

I've clipped a few on sedalin and it was enough to just get it done safely without a vet call out to knock them out, and as mentioned above domesedan is a sedative and a bit stronger than sedalin.

What is the horse doing when your trying to clip?
 

minesadouble

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We have one who needs veterinary sedation,.I tried him on Sedalin last year and got as far as the base of his neck before I needed to ring the Vet to dope him so that I could finish him off.

Try Sedalin or Domosedan but not before a crucial event! Be prepared for it not to work and have a Plan B in mind ,.Good Luck ?
 

Sprout

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Demosedan has worked really well for mine, but because he has to have his legs clipped so regularly for a feather mite issue, the vet is now trying a combination of Relaquin and anti anxiety pills as an alternative … work in progress to get the dose right.
 

Northern Hare

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As above, I found Dormosedan to be excellent for clipping, especially as you can choose a time where things are quiet on the yard, rather than have the timing dictated by the vet's visit.

My understanding is that the drug is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, so if the horse swallows it, it will be wasted and it's quite expensive. My horse tried to spit it out the first time, so I found using a bridle with drop noseband allowed me to insert the syringe into the corner of the mouth, and he wasn't able to spit it out. Also, wear protective gloves, and pick up any gel from the ground in case a dog or cat decides to lick it up.
 

Sealine

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Sedalin didn't work for me on a clip phobic horse and she had to have IV sedation. I don't remember being offered Domosedan but maybe it was available back then. I know of horses that are successfully sedated with Domosedan for clipping and they seem far more 'out of it' than my horse ever did on sedalin.
 
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