Equine sedation and anaesthesia Flashcards
What is the main thing about equine anaesthesia?
+++ about risk management
team effort
risk procedure for ptx and staff
What are the legal aspects regarding different drugs in equine passports?
licensed agents: on a special essentials list or active substance on GB list of known MRLs, use needs to be recorded
Others: NOT to be used unless passpoty is signed as not for slaughter, permanent
Why is the risk of anaesthesia much higher in horses?
temperament/character: panic/flee causing trauma/fracture
size/strength: hard to restrain/help
weight and build
What potential problems do the weight of horses cause during anaesthesia?
large body weight squashing tissues = ischaemia
large displaceanle GI tract = colic
horizontal coursing diaphragm = ventilation and circulation compromise
obligate nasal breathers = airway obstruction
delicate limbs = trauma/fracture
What are the potential risks during each phase of anaesthesia in horses?
induction: excitement, IV mishap, trampling
maintenance: adverse effects from anaesthetic drugs and recumbency
recovery: trauma/fracture or complications induced during maintenance
How can we limit the anaesthetic risk in horses?
avoid GA, consider standing sx under sedation
keep deviations from normal small/transient
always minimise duration of anaesthesia
case selection: setting/support suitable for ptx and procedure
What are good agreed core protocols for equine sedation/premed?
alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist +/- opioids
What are good agreed core protocols for equine induction?
ketamine + benzodiazepine
What protocols for equine anaesthesia/sedation are to never be used?
benzodiazepines for standing sedation: muscle weakness = panic
azaperone (pig sedative) causes violent excitement in horses
What are the surgical requirements for standing sedation?
cooperative stress free ptx
stand still
stock, collar, rope, head support
adequate analgesia: systemic analgesics+local on area operated
What are the drug options for sedation and analgesia during standing sedation?
acepromazine
alpha2 agonists (xylazine, detomidine, romifidine, dexmedetomidine)
opioids (butorphanol, morphine, methadone, buprenorphine)
nsaids
Which sedation and analgesia drugs are licensed for horses during standing sedation?
alpha2: xylazine, detomidine, romifidine
opioid: butorphanol
Which sedation and analgesia drugs need a not for slaughter signature during standing sedation?
methadone and buprenorphine
Which local anaesthetic block drugs are used during standing sedation?
mepivacaine, lidocaine
bupivacaine
What are the general points and limitations of equine sedation?
not an anaesthetic = can still react
all sedatives work best if animal is calm to start with
surprise arousal can occur
ensure quiet environment
give time to take effect
How responsive are horses when sedated?
can be VERY
do not pat on backside
can startle and kick
What drugs can help with touvh responsiveness in horses during sedation?
opioids
butorphanol (licensed)
morphine (6mo)/methadone
What is acepromazine?
a phenothiazine
dopamine antagonist but also alpha 1 adrenoreceptor block
limited sedative potential
slow onset long duration
What are the side effects of acepromazine?
main: vasodilation which causes hypotension, hypothermia
What are contraindications for acepromazine?
hypovolaemia, dehydration!
extreme stress/shock
+/- in foals
+/- in stallions
What is the side effect of acepromazine that is specific to male horses?
penile dysfunction/protrusion
can cause physical damage if longstanding
priapism and penile apralysis may occur
not a major problem if treated immediately
What are the alpha 2 agonists used for sedation in horses?
xylazine
detomidine (very concentrated)
romifidine (longes acting, less ataxia, less deep sedation)
dose dependent effect, reliable and profound sedation/analgesia
What are the most reliable equine sedatives?
alpha 2 agonists
What are the side effects of alpha2 agonists in horses?
ataxia, swaing (try limit dose)
CVS: periph. vasoconstriction, bradycardia
reduced GI motility: colic risk when prolonged/high doses
increased uterine tone (avoid in preg)
reduced ADH and insulin release: increased urine output and blood glucose
What is the effect of benzodiazepines as a sedative in horses?
NO appreciable sedative effect in adult horses
gives effective muscle relaxation can cause awake horses to panic
NEVER USE TO SEDATE AWAKE ADULT
useful sedative up to 2-3 week old foals