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Stimulation of food intake in horses by diazepam and promazine

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Abstract

In two adult horses doses of 0.02–0.03 mg/kg diazepam, intravenously, increased 1 hr intake 54–75% above control levels. Intake was stimulated when the diet was a high grain, calorically dense one and also when the diet was a high fiber, calorically dilute one. Two young rapidly growing weanling horses showed an even more pronounced stimulation of intake. Following diazepam 1 hr intake was increased 105–240% above control levels. Promazine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg also stimulated intake in adult horses, but not as markedly as did diazepam. A tranquilizer and a neuroleptic appear to have a stimulatory effect upon short-term intake in horses.

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Supported by USPHS Special Fellowship 5F03 AM55321-02 to K.A.H.

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