Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIX, Issue 2
Written by Ioana ENE, Ovidiu ROȘU, Mario CODREANU
This study evaluates an anesthetic protocol for 10 mixed-breed horses (2-22 years old) that have undergone field surgical castration. Premedication was administered intravenously in the left jugular vein with Detomidine (X̅ = 0.02 mg/kg). Induction was achieved with a combination of Ketamine (X̅ = 2.38 mg/kg) and Midazolam (X̅ = 0.038 mg/kg), administered intravenously, in the same syringe. Heart rate (X̅ = 43.46 bpm), respiratory rate (X̅ = 20.65 bpm), capillary refill time (X̅ = 1.26 sec), Oxygen saturation (X̅ = 85.73), and rectal temperature (X̅ = 37.15 °C) were measured from induction until full recovery. We evaluated the time between premedication and induction (T0 - X̅ = 5.5 minutes), from induction until lateral recumbency (T1 - X̅ = 1.4 minutes), surgery duration (T2 - X̅ = 10.5 minutes), time from the surgery until recovery in standing position (T3- X̅ = 22.9 minutes). All animals required assistance until complete recovery and were ataxic while standing/walking for T4- X̅ = 12.3 minutes. The anesthetic protocol provided good analgesia and muscle relaxation. All horses recovered well and no postoperative complications were seen.
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