Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Reaction after Penicillin IM Injection
Summary
You gave your horse a shot of intra-muscular procaine penicillin G. Moments later, the horse began acting abnormally.
Procaine penicillin is commonly given to horses intramuscularly "IM" with no adverse effects. If even a small amount is accidentally administered into a vessel, however, a violent reaction may occur.
A horse having a "procaine reaction" usually appears hyper-alert or spooked. This progresses into a seizure-like fit, with the horse scrambling and sometimes falling down. Horses may spin around or lurch backwards with their eyes wide, and nostrils flared, sneezing, or blowing.
This reaction lasts 2-5 minutes, but it seems like a lot longer. Usually the horse will survive, unless it falls and is severely injured from the trauma. Horses generally quiet down and are normal after 5-10 minutes. By the time the vet arrives, the reaction is usually over. This reaction is not allergic in nature, but is caused by the procaine additive. It is more likely to occur after multiple injections in the same site because of inflammation and increased blood supply to the irritated area of muscle.
Procaine penicillin is commonly given to horses intramuscularly "IM" with no adverse effects. If even a small amount is accidentally administered into a vessel, however, a violent reaction may occur.
A horse having a "procaine reaction" usually appears hyper-alert or spooked. This progresses into a seizure-like fit, with the horse scrambling and sometimes falling down. Horses may spin around or lurch backwards with their eyes wide, and nostrils flared, sneezing, or blowing.
This reaction lasts 2-5 minutes, but it seems like a lot longer. Usually the horse will survive, unless it falls and is severely injured from the trauma. Horses generally quiet down and are normal after 5-10 minutes. By the time the vet arrives, the reaction is usually over. This reaction is not allergic in nature, but is caused by the procaine additive. It is more likely to occur after multiple injections in the same site because of inflammation and increased blood supply to the irritated area of muscle.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
If you notice this happening, leave the horse loose in a stall. Get out of the stall. When it happens in our presence (yes, it can rarely happen to a vet too), we may use sedatives to try to slow the horse down until the reaction passes.If there is not a closed, small, safe space in which to release the horse, a confident handler may be able to manage a horse through the fit by circling the horse around them. When in doubt get out of the stall and call your vet.
What Not To Do
Do not try to restrain or handle your horse if you are not confident in doing so, you could easily be injured. It is best not to release the horse in a large area because in some cases, the horse may gallop and injure itself severely. Do not tie the horse fast.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the horse for injuries sustained during the reaction. If the horse is still having a reaction they may sedate the horse or give anti-seizure drugs. They may discuss alternatives to the use of penicillin in the future, depending upon the condition being treated.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How long ago did this happen?
- What is the horse doing now?
- Did you give the horse any other medications?
- Did the horse appear to have injured itself during the incident?
- What method do you use to give IM injection?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
