Biochemical and haematological changes following prolonged halothane anaesthesia in horses.

This is a study that investigates the impact of prolonged halothane anaesthesia on liver, muscle, and kidney functions in healthy horses, thereby indicating potential liver dysfunction, muscle cell disruption, and transient decrease in renal function.

Introduction:

This research paper focuses on the impacts of lengthy halothane anesthesia on horses. Halothane is a type of anesthesia that’s usually used in veterinary medicine, particularly in large animals such as horses. However, its effects following extended use weren’t entirely understood, which this research sought to explore.

Methodology:

Six healthy horses were selected for this study. They were each anaesthetized with halothane (1.2 times the horse minimal alveolar concentration) combined with oxygen, for a period of over 12 hours. Various biochemical and hematological markers including serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, L-iditol dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, serum creatinine, and inorganic phosphate were measured in the days following the surgical procedure.

Results:

• Significant increases in serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and L-iditol dehydrogenase values were observed for up to nine days after anaesthesia. These markers are typically used to diagnose liver problems, suggesting anesthesia-related liver dysfunction.
• Creatine kinase, a muscle enzyme, spiked to an average level of over 1400 IU litre-1, 24 hours post-anesthesia, which points towards muscle cell disruption.
• Renal-associated biochemical values, specifically serum creatinine and inorganic phosphate concentrations, were temporarily increased, suggesting a decrease in renal function during and straight after anesthesia.
• The plasma concentrations of eicosanoids (different types of prostaglandins and thromboxane) following the use of anesthesia weren’t significantly different from the pre-anaesthetic values, suggesting no impact of the anesthesia on these parameters.

Conclusion:

The research clarified the consequences of prolonged halothane anaesthesia in horses. It was found that the magnitude of the increase in the liver and muscle cell serum enzyme activities, following the use of prolonged halothane anaesthesia, was more substantial than previously reported for shorter anaesthesia durations. This means that care must be taken with prolonged use of this anaesthetic in horses due to the potential post-anaesthetic complications.