A retrospective study of mortality associated with general anaesthesia in horses: emergency procedures.

This research evaluates the mortality rate linked to emergency anaesthesia in horses, revealing that those anaesthetised for surgical colic carry a considerably higher risk of death. The increased risk is even greater when such procedures are emergency rather than elective.

Background of the Research

• The researchers conducted a retrospective study to determine the mortality rate associated with general anaesthesia in horses during emergency procedures.
• The study involved a total of 995 emergency equine general anaesthetics to ensure a substantial data set.

Mortality Rate in Emergency Procedures

• The study revealed that the total mortality rate for emergency procedures was 31.4 per cent – a significant percentage that warranted further analysis.
• The researchers examined this figure in more detail to ascertain whether all emergency procedures carried a similar risk.

Comparison of Mortality Rates Based on Surgery Type

• The investigators discovered that horses anaesthetised for surgical colic had an increased risk of death or euthanasia.
• The total mortality for this group of horses was 35.5 per cent. In comparison, horses anaesthetised for non-colic related problems had a total mortality rate of 15.3 per cent.

Risk of Mortality in Emergency versus Elective Procedures

• The study’s findings indicate a significantly increased risk of mortality in horses undergoing general anaesthesia for emergency procedures.
• The researchers found that mortality is 4.25 times more likely for emergency procedures not associated with colic than for similar procedures carried out electively.
• Furthermore, emergency general anaesthesia for colic carries an increased risk of mortality of 9.86 times that of elective cases – underlining the considerably higher danger involved.

Summary of Findings

• The research concluded that emergency procedures, especially those relating to surgical colic, exponentially increase the risk of mortality in equine patients subjected to general anaesthesia.
• Public health practitioners, veterinary surgeons, and horse owners should take these findings into account when scheduling and carrying out emergency procedures in horses.
• The high incidence of mortality in these cases underscores the importance of enhancing anaesthetic practices and optimizing veterinary care to improve survival chances.