An Analysis of Risk Factors for a Fracture or Luxation in Recovery From General Anesthesia in Horses: A Single Centre Study☆.

This research investigates the risk factors associated with horses experiencing severe fractures or joint dislocations during recovery from general anesthesia. It found that intraoperative administration of salbutamol and ketamine, along with increasing age, heightened this risk.

Research Objective

• The primary objective of this study was to identify the potential risk factors that increase the likelihood of horses suffering from catastrophic fractures or luxations (FoL) during recovery from general anesthesia.

Methodology

• The study was executed as a single center, retrospective, case-matched study.
• Clinical data were collected from January 2011 to June 2020 for horses that had experienced a FoL while recovering from anesthesia at a single center referral population.
• To identify the significant risk factors that could be associated with a FoL occurrence, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out.

Key Findings

• The risk factors found to be statistically significant in increasing the chances of sustaining a FoL during recovery were the intraoperative administration of intratracheal salbutamol and ketamine, and increasing age.

Implications

• The research findings suggest that more caution should be applied when using intratracheal salbutamol and ketamine during surgery, especially in older horses.
• Further research is needed to better understand the specific role salbutamol administration plays in increasing this risk.