As sedation begins, horses may start to sway and lower the head rapidly while remaining standing. In order to prevent self injury the location where the procedure is to be performed should be chosen carefully.
Animals suffering from shock or liver or kidney disease should only be treated according to the benefit risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
In painful procedures detomidine should be used only in combination with an analgesic or a local anaesthetic.
While waiting for sedation animals should remain in calm surroundings.
In case of sustained effect it is necessary to protect the animal from heat or cold.
Where appropriate Equimidine may be used with local anaesthetics.
Induction of anaesthesia with Equimidine and ketamine may delay the effects of maintenance with halothane and special care must be taken to avoid overdosage.
When Equimidine is used as premedication prior to general anaesthesia its use may delay the onset of induction.
In cases of suspected overdose, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, delayed recovery and profound CNS and respiratory depression may occur. Should the effects of detomidine become life threatening, an alpha-2 antagonist (atipamezole) is recommended at 5-10 x the dose of detomidine in mcg/kg. A/V blocks may be prevented by I/V administration of atropine at 0.02 mg/kg.