The use of a muscle relaxant in dairy practice

Abstract

Extract

Madam:—Guaiaphenesin* (glycerol guaiacol ate or G.G.) produces excellent muscle relaxatiori with little effect on respiration. It does not depress respiration or affect the myocardium unless grossly overdosed. ⁽³⁾ Its main uses are for short diagnostic procedures, as an adjunct to induction of anaesthesia and to allow or facilitate intubation. It is usually used as a 5% solution in 5% dextrose ⁽¹⁾ (5 grams of G.G. per lOOmls of 5% dextrose-saline) and always administered intravenously. The dose rate intravenously for ruminants is 2–2.5ml of the 5% solution per kg of body weight. ⁽³⁾ A 400kg cow will need approximately l000ml of the solution which is equivalent to 50 grams of G. G. or 125mg per kg. Fatalities are seen with doses of 450mg per kg of body weight. ⁽¹⁾

Notes

* Equinesin, South Island Chemicals Ltd, Christchurch