Anesthetic management with sevoflurane and oxygen for orthopedic surgeries in racehorses.

The research involved the use of sevoflurane anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries in 85 thoroughbred racehorses with fractures, which resulted in good recoveries and no observed complications, suggesting the method is safe and effective.

Research Methodology

• The study involved eighty-five thoroughbred racehorses, each diagnosed with varying types of fractures. These horses were either subjected to arthroscopic surgery (44 horses) or internal fixation (41 horses).
• The anesthetic used was sevoflurane, a type of inhalation anesthetic that is often used in veterinary surgery due to its quick onset of action and minimal side effects.
• The concentration of the anesthetic was carefully monitored and controlled throughout the procedure to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the anesthesia. The mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during anesthesia ranged from 2.5 to 2.8%.
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and ventilation were continuously monitored and adjusted as necessary. PaCO2 was maintained between 50 and 65 mmHg by controlled ventilation and the mean arterial blood pressure was maintained above 65 mmHg by infusion of dobutamine and fluids.

Results

• The results indicate that heart rate significantly increased with time, which is a known side effect of sevoflurane and can be managed by the anesthesiologist.
• Recovery from anesthesia was calm and smooth for nearly all the horses in the study, suggesting a positive response to the anesthetic.
• No obvious complications were observed during and after anesthesia in all cases, indicative of the safety of the method.

Conclusions

• The study proposes that sevoflurane anesthesia is a safe and useful method for orthopedic surgery in racehorses.
• This method requires careful monitoring of the anesthetic concentration, blood pressure, heart rate, and ventilation but can result in smooth and calm recovery.
• Though heart rate increased with time, this side effect was well-managed within the study making this type of anesthesia a plausible choice in equine orthopedic surgery.