Equine Anaesthesia Flashcards
What checks should we carry out before sedation?
Check the passport Assess signalment and temperament Assess cardiorespiratory system Establish duration of sedation required Consider facilities including handlers No need to withhold food beforehand but post-sedation restriction
What effects can acepromazine have as a sedative?
Mild sedation Slow onset (30 min to peak effect) Long duration (4-6 hrs) Vasodilation Priapism
What effects can alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonists have when used as a sedative?
Muscle relaxation Analgesia CVS effects Hypoinsulinaemia Decreased GI motility Sweating
What is the effect of opioids with sedation and which ones have UK marketing licenses?
When given with alpha2-agonist, synergistic effect on analgesia and increased sedation/ataxia
Butorphanol, Buprenorphine
How can we use oral sedatives for horses?
Must be prescribed for individual horse each time of use following clinical examination by veterinary surgeon
Make arrangements for safe disposal of unused products
Wear impervious gloves when handling product
What should we tell an owner before sedation for paraprofessionals?
Establish proposed procedures
Warn owner re risks and define limits of responsibility
Advise client that it is preferable for vet to be present throughout period of sedation
Advise client re legal aspects of performing invasive veterinary surgery
Ensure advice is provided verbally and in writing (record everything)
What risk factors are associated with equine anaesthesia?
Drugs Age of animal Duration of anaesthesia Time of surgery Operation type
How do we prepare the horse for anaesthesia?
Full physical exam and obtain informed consent
Remove hay 12 hours before - controversial
Groom to remove mud and remove shoes
Weigh
Antibiotics - at least 30 mins before anaesthesia
Rinse mouth
Tetanus antitioxin if required
How do we insert an IV catheter for anaesthesia?
Left jugular vein
Strict aseptic technique - clip, chlorhexidine scrub, spirit
Secure in place - sutures/glue
What drugs do we use for anaesthetic technique?
Acepromazine
Alpha2-agonist sedation
Ketamine-diazepam induction / thiopental +/- GGE
What is Guaiphenesin (GGE)?
Centrally-acting muscle relaxant
No analgesic/anaesthetic properties - adjunct to other drugs
IV only - tissue damage if perivascular
What analgesia can we provide for horses?
NSAIDs - before anaesthesia if possible Opioids Alpha2-agonists Ketamine Local anaesthetics
How can we monitor the depth of anaesthesia?
Resp. rate and pattern Eye position, nystagmus Palpebral / anal reflex Muscle tone Movement Blood pressure HR not a good indicator!
How do we recover a horse from anaesthesia?
Quiet environment Towel over eyes Supplement O2 if possible Remove ET tube when resp. effort increases (before swallowing) Sedation Ensure adequate analgesia Catheterise bladder Assisted recovery - manual, ropes, sling, pool
What is equine post-anaesthetic myopathy?
Occurs during recovery period, damage during anaesthesia
Range from lameness to unable to stand
Distressed horse
Muscles hard, swollen and painful on palpation
Myoglobinuria
Elevated muscle enzymes (CK)
