Potassium Bromide for Horses

Horses are large, powerful creatures, and if one gets out of control the situation can turn from dangerous to deadly. Fortunately, you can be prepared. Horse owners and trainers commonly use potassium bromide as a sedative for horses. In addition, its properties make it useful for treating a wide variety of medical ailments ranging from epilepsy to colic.

  1. Features

    • Potassium Bromide, or KBr, is a white, crystalline solid compound commonly known as a salt. It has a melting point of 734°C, a boiling point of 1435°C, and a density of 2750 kg/m^3. Hydroxide and hydrobromic acid react to synthesize KBr. Its structure is octahedral.

    Primary Uses

    • The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products stated in a summary report about potassium bromide that it is used as a hypnotic and sedative in horses. The medicine has a low toxicity and is considered safe. The average dose is 60 to 120 mg. It may be used to calm a horse that becomes overly anxious in a new environment, such as traveling in a horse trailer or competing in a horse show.

    Secondary Uses

    • Potassium bromide supplements other treatments for horses with colic (an upset stomach that can result in twisted intestines) and tetany (muscle spasms). Your veterinarian can advise you if potassium bromide is an appropriate treatment for your horse.

    Research

    • Potassium bromide depresses neuronal activity. Due to this property, veterinarians have used it as an epilepsy medication for dogs and cats. At the beginning of the 20th century it was used to treat humans with epilepsy as well, but more advanced drugs have since replaced it. There have been studies conducted on the effectiveness of potassium bromide as an anti-convulsant in horses, but as of 2010 the research is limited. An article written in the Australian Veterinary Journal states that "the clinical efficacy of this agent as an anticonvulsant medication...in horses warrants further investigation."

    Side Effects

    • Although potassium bromide is in some cases an effective drug, it can also have undesirable side effects. Your horse may experience weakness, muscle tremors and muscle pain. It can affect the digestive system by increasing thirst, increasing urination, causing constipation and changing your horse's appetite. You may also notice a change in your horse's sleep patterns