The effects of acepromazine isolated or associated with diazepam were evaluated in five donkeys were underwent in two anesthetic protocols, in the acepromazine group (AC), animals received acepromazine (0.1mg/kg/IV) and in acepromazine-diazepam group (ACD), acepromazine at the same dose and route of AC, associated with diazepam (0.1 mg/kg/IV). Heart frequency (HR), respiratory frequency (RF) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and electrocardiographic variables analyzed, in addition to tanquilization, latency, beginning of the penile prolapse and degree of ataxia. The tanquilization began at 10.4±0.9 minutes (min) in the AC donkeys and 4.8±1.1 in ACD. Penile prolapse occurred at 4.2±1.3 minutes in AC and 2.7±0.4 in ACD. The HR increased to 15 and 30min. Electrocardiographic parameters and rectal temperature not varied significantly. RF decreased from AC in 60min and 30min from ACD. The muzzle-to-ground distance reduced significantly in both groups and at times from 15min. It was concluded that the acepromazine promotes discreet tanquilization and the adition of diazepam potentiates the tranquilization, decreases the latency period and increases ataxia caused by acepromazine.
donkey; phenothiazine; benzodiazepine; premedication
