Topic:Butorphanol
Butorphanol is an opioid analgesic commonly used in equine medicine for its pain-relieving and sedative properties. It acts on the central nervous system by binding to opioid receptors, providing relief from moderate to severe pain. Butorphanol is often utilized in horses for managing pain associated with colic, surgical procedures, and other medical conditions. Its effects include sedation and analgesia, with a relatively short duration of action compared to other opioids. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of butorphanol in equine practice.
Effects of acepromazine, butorphanol and buprenorphine on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses. To investigate the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine administered in combination with acepromazine in horses and to establish an effective dose for use in a clinical environment. Objective: To evaluate the responses to thermal and mechanical stimulation following administration of 3 doses of buprenorphine compared to positive (butorphanol) and negative (glucose) controls. Methods: Observer blinded, randomised, crossover design using 6 Thoroughbred geldings (3-10 years, 500-560 kg). Thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were measured 3 times at 15 min intervals. Horses then rec...
Evaluation of sedation and analgesia in standing horses after administration of xylazine, butorphanol, and subanesthetic doses of ketamine. To evaluate the sedative and analgesic effects of subanesthetic doses of ketamine in horses sedated with xylazine, with or without butorphanol. Methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was sedated multiple times by administration of xylazine (treatment X), xylazine and butorphanol (treatment XB), xylazine with 1 of 2 dosages of ketamine (treatment XK1 or XK2), or xylazine and butorphanol with 1 of 2 dosages of ketamine (treatment XBK1 or XBK2). Head height and various behaviors, including responses to noise, insertion of a dental float, ...
The effects of lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) or LRS and 6% hetastarch on the colloid osmotic pressure, total protein and osmolality in healthy horses under general anesthesia. To investigate changes in colloid osmotic pressure (COP), total protein (TP) and osmolality (OSM) during anesthesia in horses given intravenous lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) or LRS and hetastarch (HES). Methods: Prospective, clinical trial. Methods: Fourteen horses presented for surgery. Mean age 8.3 ± 1.9 years; mean weight 452 ± 25 kg. Methods: Horses were premedicated with xylazine intravenously (IV); anesthesia was induced with ketamine and diazepam IV, and maintained with sevoflurane. Butorphanol was administered IV with pre-medications or immediately after induction. Xylazine was ad...
Clinical Evaluation of Xylazine-Butorphanol-Guaifenesin-Ketamine as Short-Term TIVA in Equines. Xylazine (1.1 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg), guaifenesin 5% (20 mg/kg), and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg) combinations were able to induce short-term surgical anaesthesia for 23.33 ± 2.57 min in Spiti ponies with excellent to good muscle relaxation and analgesia. Urination and neighing was a constant feature during recovery period. Biphasic P wave, biphasic T wave, and depressed PR segment were common electrocardiographic findings. Biochemical attributes were within physiological limits except a significant increase in ALT values during anaesthesia. The values returned to normal during re...
Neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium bromide for ophthalmic surgery in horses. The production of a central eye to ease surgical access for intraocular surgery is generally dependent on the depth of anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the eyeball position under muscle relaxation with rocuronium during general anesthesia. Methods: Twenty horses, body weight 480 ± 62 kg; age 12.6 ± 6.2 years (mean ± SD) were anesthetised for various ophthalmic surgeries. Horses were premedicated with acepromazine, xylazine, and butorphanol intravenously and anesthesia induced with ketamine and diazepam. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxyge...
A clinical study on the effect in horses during medetomidine-isoflurane anaesthesia, of butorphanol constant rate infusion on isoflurane requirements, on cardiopulmonary function and on recovery characteristics. To test if the addition of butorphanol by constant rate infusion (CRI) to medetomidine-isoflurane anaesthesia reduced isoflurane requirements, and influenced cardiopulmonary function and/or recovery characteristics. Methods: Prospective blinded randomised clinical trial. Methods: 61 horses undergoing elective surgery. Methods: Horses were sedated with intravenous (i.v.) medetomidine (7 μg kg(-1)); anaesthesia was induced with i.v. ketamine (2.2 mg kg(-1)) and diazepam (0.02 mg kg(-1)) and maintained with isoflurane and a CRI of medetomidine (3.5 μg kg(-1) hour(-1)). Group MB (n = 31) receive...
Assessment of the sedative effects of buprenorphine administered with 10 μg/kg detomidine in horses. The aim of this randomised, observer-blinded, crossover study was to compare the effects of six treatments, administered intravenously to six horses: saline and saline (S/S); detomidine and saline (D/S); detomidine and 5 µg/kg buprenorphine (D/B5); detomidine and 7.5 µg/kg buprenorphine (D/B7.5); detomidine and 10 µg/kg buprenorphine (D/B10); and detomidine and 25 µg/kg butorphanol (D/BUT). The detomidine dose was 10 µg/kg for all treatments in which it was included. Sedation was subjectively assessed and recorded on a visual analogue scale. Peak sedation, duration of sedation and the are...
Comparison of ketamine and alfaxalone for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in ponies undergoing castration. To compare alfaxalone with ketamine for total intravenous anaesthesia in ponies undergoing castration. Methods: Prospective, randomised, blinded clinical study. Methods: Forty-two, 12-month-old Welsh Mountain ponies. Methods: Ponies were assigned randomly to receive ketamine or alfaxalone. After administration of romifidine 100 μg kg(-1) and butorphanol 50 μg kg(-1) intravenously (IV), sedation and response to tactile stimulation were scored. If sedation was insufficient, romifidine 30 μg kg(-1) was administered IV. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine 2.2 mg kg(-1) or alfaxalone 1 mg kg(-...
Recognition of pain and use of analgesia in horses by veterinarians in New Zealand. To explore attitudes towards and use of analgesia in horses by veterinarians in New Zealand. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent out to 457 veterinarians identified as working with horses in New Zealand. Questions covered demographics and practice data; analgesic drugs available for use and used in practice; analgesic management of specific conditions including assessment of pain, drugs used, and frequency of cases; factors influencing the choice and use of analgesic agents; and attitudes and personal experience. Results: Ninety-seven questionnaires containing useable data were received, ...
Partial intravenous anaesthesia in 5 horses using ketamine, lidocaine, medetomidine and halothane. A partial intravenous protocol was used successfully to maintain anaesthesia in 5 healthy horses. Horses were premedicated with acepromazine, romifidine and butorphanol, induced with guaifenesin and ketamine and maintained on a constant rate infusion of lidocaine, ketamine and medetomidine together with halothane inhalation anaesthesia. Mean end-tidal halothane concentration to maintain a surgical plane of anaesthesia was 0.8 +/- 0.2%. Mean dobutamine requirement to maintain mean arterial pressure above 9.31 kPa was 0.42 +/- 0.3 microg/kg/min. The administration of relatively low doses of lido...
Comparison of intraoperative behavioral and hormonal responses to noxious stimuli between mares sedated with caudal epidural detomidine hydrochloride or a continuous intravenous infusion of detomidine hydrochloride for standing laparoscopic ovariectomy. To compare the presence or absence of pain, pain-related behavioral responses, and hormonal responses to noxious stimuli during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares sedated with continuous intravenous (IV) detomidine infusion and caudal epidural detomidine. Methods: A double blind prospective study. Methods: Mares (n=12) Methods: Mares were divided into 2 treatment groups; 6 were sedated using continuous IV detomidine infusion and 6 were sedated with caudal epidural detomidine. All mares received IV xylazine (0.33 mg/kg) and butorphanol tartrate (5 mg) premedication before detomidine adm...
Effects of adding butorphanol to a balanced anaesthesia protocol during arthroscopic surgery in horses. Three groups of horses scheduled for arthroscopic surgery were premedicated with 0.025 mg/kg acepromazine, 88 microg/kg romifidine and 25 mg/kg guaifenesin, and anaesthesia was induced with 2.2 mg/kg ketamine. In group 1 (14 horses), anaesthesia was maintained by halothane vaporised in oxygen, with supplementary doses of 20 microg/kg romifidine and 0.5 mg/kg ketamine every 20 minutes. The 17 horses in group 2 were maintained as for group 1; however, an additional dose of 0.05 mg/kg butorphanol was administered before the first incision. The 14 horses in group 3 were maintained as for group 2, ...
Analgesic effects of butorphanol tartrate and phenylbutazone administered alone and in combination in young horses undergoing routine castration. To compare the analgesic efficacy of administration of butorphanol tartrate, phenylbutazone, or both drugs in combination in colts undergoing routine castration. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: 36 client-owned colts. Methods: Horses received treatment with butorphanol alone (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb], IM, prior to surgery and then q 4 h for 24 hours), phenylbutazone alone (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], IV, prior to surgery and then 2.2 mg/kg [1.0 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h for 3 days), or butorphanol and phenylbutazone at the aforementioned dosages (12 horses/group). For single-drug-tr...
Analgesic effect of butorphanol in ponies following castration. In the UK butorphanol has a marketing authorisation for administration to horses for sedation in combination with detomidine, and at a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg bwt), for the alleviation of pain. There is only a limited number of clinical studies designed to examine the analgesic effects of butorphanol administration following surgery. Objective: To investigate the effect of premedication with butorphanol on post operative pain following castration under general anaesthesia in ponies. Objective: Ponies receiving butorphanol would experience less pain after castration than ponies that did not rece...
Effect of firocoxib or flunixin meglumine on recovery of ischemic-injured equine jejunum. To determine whether treatment of horses with firocoxib affects recovery of ischemic-injured jejunum, while providing effective analgesia. Methods: 18 horses. Methods: Horses (n = 6 horses/group) received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 mL/50 kg, IV), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h), or firocoxib (0.09 mg/kg, IV, q 24 h) before 2 hours of jejunal ischemia. Horses were monitored via pain scores and received butorphanol for analgesia. After 18 hours, ischemic-injured and control mucosa were placed in Ussing chambers for measurement of transepithelial resistance and permeability to lipo...
Effect of sedation with detomidine and butorphanol on pulmonary gas exchange in the horse. Sedation with alpha2-agonists in the horse is reported to be accompanied by impairment of arterial oxygenation. The present study was undertaken to investigate pulmonary gas exchange using the Multiple Inert Gas Elimination Technique (MIGET), during sedation with the alpha2-agonist detomidine alone and in combination with the opioid butorphanol. Methods: Seven Standardbred trotter horses aged 3-7 years and weighing 380-520 kg, were studied. The protocol consisted of three consecutive measurements; in the unsedated horse, after intravenous administration of detomidine (0.02 mg/kg) and after sub...
Pharmacokinetics of butorphanol in horses after intramuscular injection. A two-way cross-over study of the pharmacokinetics of butorphanol after intravenous and intramuscular administration at 0.08 mg/kg in six adult horses was performed. Heparinized venous blood samples were obtained prior to drug administration and at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 360 min after IV injection. Samples were obtained at the same time points and at 6 h and 12 h after IM injection. Physical examination parameters were recorded at each time point. Plasma butorphanol concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. No significant differences in any physi...
Fluorangiographic study of the ocular fundus in normal horses. To describe the protocol and appearance of fluorescein angiography (FA) in normal horses. Methods: A total of 25 healthy horses aged between 5 and 15 years. Methods: The horses were sedated with 15 microg/kg detomidine and 50 microg/kg butorphanol and dilated with topical tropicamide 1%. All angiograms were recorded after intravenous bolus injection of 10 mg/kg of fluorescein sodium solution. Results: Two successive angiographic phases could be discerned: the choriopapillary phase, starting at 46.95 +/- 9.48 s, and the retinal vascular phase, starting at 47.79 +/- 10.38 s. The retinal vascular...
Pharmacokinetics of butorphanol and evaluation of physiologic and behavioral effects after intravenous and intramuscular administration to neonatal foals. Despite frequent clinical use, information about the pharmacokinetics (PK), clinical effects, and safety of butorphanol in foals is not available. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the PK of butorphanol in neonatal foals after IV and IM administration; to determine whether administration of butorphanol results in physiologic or behavioral changes in neonatal foals; and to describe adverse effects associated with its use in neonatal foals. Methods: Six healthy mixed breed pony foals between 3 and 12 days of age were used. Methods: In a 3-way crossover design, foals received ...
Effect of acepromazine, butorphanol, or N-butylscopolammonium bromide on visceral and somatic nociception and duodenal motility in conscious horses. To evaluate effects of butorphanol, acepromazine, and N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) on visceral and somatic nociception and duodenal motility in conscious, healthy horses. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: Visceral nociception was evaluated by use of colorectal distention (CRD) and duodenal distention (DD) threshold. Somatic nociception was evaluated via thermal threshold (TT). Nose-to-ground height, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also measured. Each horse received each treatment in randomized order; investigators were not aware of treatments. Butorphanol was administered IV as a ...
Management and complications of anesthesia for transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses: 62 cases (2002-2006). To describe management of anesthesia for transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) in horses and report perianesthetic complications. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 62 horses with atrial fibrillation and without underlying cardiac disease and 60 horses without atrial fibrillation. Methods: Medical records of horses with atrial fibrillation anesthetized for TVEC were reviewed, as were records of horses without atrial fibrillation anesthetized for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The TVEC group horses were compared with MRI group horses for incidence of intraoperative bradycardi...
Effect of butorphanol administration on cardiovascular parameters in isoflurane-anesthetized horses – a retrospective clinical evaluation. To determine cardiovascular responses to administration of butorphanol in isoflurane-anesthetized horses. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of anesthetic records. Methods: Seventy-six horses anesthetized for a variety of clinical surgical procedures. Methods: Anesthetic records of clinical equine patients anesthetized between January 1999 and December 2003 were searched. The records were reviewed for horses in which anesthesia was induced with ketamine and a benzodiazepine and maintained with isoflurane, and horses that received butorphanol intraoperatively. Exclusion criteria included horses ...
Effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meloxicam on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum. To determine the effect of meloxicam and flunixin meglumine on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum. Methods: 18 horses. Methods: Horses received butorphanol tartrate; were treated IV with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SS; 12 mL; n = 6), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg; 6), or meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg; 6) 1 hour before ischemia was induced for 2 hours in a portion of jejunum; and were allowed to recover for 18 hours. Flunixin and SS treatments were repeated after 12 hours; all 3 treatments were administered immediately prior to euthanasia. Selected clinical variables, postoperative pain scores...
Observations on the muscle relaxant rocuronium bromide in the horse–a dose-response study. To investigate the onset and duration of neuromuscular blockade of rocuronium bromide and its associated haemodynamic effects at three doses in healthy horses. Methods: Prospective, randomized experimental study. Methods: Seven adult horses aged 3-20 (mean 10.3) years and weighing 466 +/- 44 (mean +/- SD) kg. Methods: Horses were anaesthetized three times with at least 2 weeks between. They were pre-medicated with 0.6 mg kg(-1) xylazine and 0.01 mg kg(-1) butorphanol i.v.. Anaesthesia was induced with 2.2 mg kg(-1) ketamine and 0.1 mg kg(-1) diazepam i.v.. Following orotracheal intubation anae...
Ultrasound-assisted collection of cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbosacral space in equids. To describe ultrasonographic landmarks for use in collection of CSF from the lumbosacral region in equids. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 37 equids (27 with neurologic disease and 10 with nonneurologic disease). Methods: Standing equids (n = 17) were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.006 to 0.01 mg/kg [0.003 to 0.005 mg/lb], IV) followed by butorphanol tartrate (0.01 mg/kg, IV) and restrained with a nose twitch for collection of CSF. The CSF was collected from 20 laterally recumbent equids (10 sedated and 10 immediately after euthanasia). Anatomic landmarks were identified ultraso...
Effects of butorphanol on the withdrawal reflex using threshold, suprathreshold and repeated subthreshold electrical stimuli in conscious horses. To assess the effects of a single intravenous dose of butorphanol (0.1 mg kg(-1)) on the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) using threshold, suprathreshold and repeated subthreshold electrical stimuli in conscious horses. Methods: 'Unblinded', prospective experimental study. Methods: Ten adult horses, five geldings and five mares, mean body mass 517 kg (range 487-569 kg). Methods: The NWR was elicited using single transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the palmar digital nerve. Repeated stimulations were applied to evoke temporal summation. Surface electromyography was performed to record a...
Effects of the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure on lung function in horses with clinical exacerbation of recurrent airway obstruction. To evaluate whether bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) alters respiratory mechanics of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (ie, heaves) over a 48-hour period. Methods: 6 horses affected with heaves. Methods: Horses were subjected to a complete BAL procedure, which included sedation with xylazine and butorphanol, intratracheal administration of lidocaine, and instillation and aspiration of two 250-mL boluses of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution through an endoscope (study 1). To evaluate the effects of saline solution, horses were subjected to the same procedure without saline solution instillation an...
Dissociative anaesthesia during field and hospital conditions for castration of colts. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate dissociative anaesthesia for castration of colts during field conditions. Three dissociative anaesthetic protocols were evaluated during castration of colts in an animal hospital. The protocol considered to be the most suitable was thereafter evaluated during castration of colts under field conditions. Respiratory and haemodynamic parameters and the response to surgery were determined during anaesthesia. All horses breathed air spontaneously during anaesthesia. Under hospital conditions 26 colts were randomised to receive one of three anaesthetic...
Electroencephalographic and electromyographic changes during the use of detomidine and detomidine-butorphanol combination in standing horses. Clinically, the use of detomidine and butorphanol is suitable for sedation and deepening of analgosedation. The aim of our study was to establish the influence of detomidine used alone and a butorphanol-detomidine combination on brain activity and to evaluate and compare brain responses (using electroencephalography, EEG) by recording SEF90 (spectral edge frequency 90%), individual brain wave fractions (beta, alpha, theta and delta) and electromyographic (EMG) changes in the left temporal muscle in standing horses. Ten clinically healthy cold-blooded horses were divided into two groups of five...
Effect of intratesticular injection of lidocaine on cardiovascular responses to castration in isoflurane-anesthetized stallions. To evaluate the effect of intratesticular administration of lidocaine on cardiovascular responses and cremaster muscle tension during castration of isoflurane-anesthetized stallions. Methods: 28 healthy stallions (mean +/- SD age, 4.2 +/- 2.8 years) with no testicular abnormalities that were scheduled for castration. Methods: Each horse was given acepromazine (20 microg/kg, IM), romifidine (50 microg/kg, IV), and butorphanol (20 microg/kg, IV). Anesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.5 mg/kg, IV) and midazolam (50 microg/kg, IV) and maintained with isoflurane (1.7% end-tidal concentration). Af...