Equine Anesthesia

Question 1

What is the most common form of anesthesia for horses? (2)

Answer 1

1. Sedation

2. standing chemical restraint

Question 2

What can be done under sedation and standing chemical restraint? (4)

Answer 2

1. suturing laceration
2. x-rays
3. floating teeth
4. for diagnostic and minor surgical procedures

Question 3

What is the benefit of using sedation and standing chemical restraint?

Answer 3

Prevents injuries associated w/ recumbency

Question 4

What anesthetics are used in standing chemical restraint? (3)

Answer 4

1. Xylazine or Detomidine alone
2. Xylazine + butorphanol + acepromazine
3. Detomidine +butorphanol

Question 5

What needs to be carefully monitored under anesthesia and how can you control it? (2)

Answer 5

1. monitor BP

2. dopamine can be used to increase BP

Question 6

What can be used for short surgical or diagnostic procedures like castration?

Answer 6

IV general anesthesia or field anesthesia for a light plane of anesthesia

Question 7

How can you make sure a horse won’t get physically injured at induction and recovery of anesthesia?

Answer 7

area must by fee of visible hazards

Question 8

What are the anesthetic agents used for IV general anesthesia? (3)

Answer 8

1. Xylazine + Diazepam
2. Xylazine + Ketamine
3. Xylazine + Ketamine +Guaifenesin (triple drip)

Question 9

What are inhalant anesthetics used for? (2)

Answer 9

1. longer surgical procedures

2. use a large animal gas anesthesia machine if patient is >150kg

Question 10

What should you do before inducing and intubating a horse?

Answer 10

rinse out their mouths

Question 11

What can you do to prevent muscle damage or nerve damage when a horse is under anesthesia?

Answer 11

use padding under horse and in between their legs if laying on their sides

Question 12

What needs to be done if the anesthetized horse is in lateral recumbency? (2)

Answer 12

1. Dependent foreleg pulled forward

2. Pads used to keep upper and lower hindlegs parallel