For some horses, sedation during hoof care is necessary. It can be dangerous for the farrier and the horse if it’s not properly acclimated to being in cross-ties, having its feet lifted, being shod or several other indeterminate factors unique to each horse. While sedation is a useful tool to make the farrier’s life easier, ensuring a busy veterinarian is there at the right time to administer sedation can be tricky. Dormosedan Gel is an oral sedative by Zoetis that is prescribed by a veterinarian and administered by the owner.

“It contains a drug called detomidine hydrochloride,” says Dr. Abby Sage, a veterinarian with Zoetis. “It will not cause analgesia, so it won’t take pain away. It sedates the horse enough for you to feel safer and to help everybody get through the procedure. It makes the experience easier on the horse, you and the horse owner.” 

First released in 1991, detomidine was only available intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM). In 2010, when it…