Cardiopulmonary effects of diazepam-ketamine-isoflurane or xylazine-ketamine-isoflurane during abdominal surgery in foals.

The research investigated the cardiopulmonary effects of two different combinations of anesthetic substances in foals undergoing abdominal surgery. The findings suggest that anesthesia using a combination of diazepam, ketamine, and isoflurane (D/K/Iso) results in less hemodynamic depression compared to the use of xylazine, ketamine, and isoflurane (X/K/Iso).

Study Design and Procedure

• The study included 17 pony foals that required abdominal surgery that were between 7 and 15 days old.
• A split study design was used, where each foal underwent an initial abdominal surgery (laparotomy), followed by a secondary procedure (laparoscopy) 7 to 10 days later.
• Foals were randomly placed into two groups: one group received anesthesia via a combination of diazepam, ketamine, and isoflurane (D/K/Iso group), and the other received xylazine, ketamine, and isoflurane (X/K/Iso group).

Results and Analysis

• During anesthesia for laparotomy, measurements of cardiac index and mean arterial blood pressure were taken. These ranged from 110 to 180 mL/kg/min and 57 to 81 mm Hg, respectively, in the D/K/Iso group. In the X/K/Iso group, these values ranged from 98 to 171 mL/kg/min and 50 to 66 mm Hg, respectively.
• Similarly, during anesthesia for laparoscopy, these measurements ranged from 85 to 165 mL/kg/min and 67 to 83 mm Hg, respectively, in the D/K/Iso group, and 98 to 171 mL/kg/min and 48 to 67 mm Hg, respectively, in the X/K/Iso group.
• Significantly higher heart rates and arterial blood pressures during both procedures were found in the D/K/Iso group compared with the X/K/Iso group.
• There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of percentage end-tidal isoflurane (a measure of anesthetic depth), arterial blood gas partial pressures, or pH values. These are all indicators of the body’s response to anesthesia.

Conclusions

• The results suggest that the use of D/K/Iso as an anesthetic in foals undergoing abdominal surgery is associated with a lower degree of hemodynamic depression. Hemodynamic depression refers to decreased performance of the cardiovascular system, which can lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the body.

In other words, D/K/Iso may provide a safer alternative for anesthesia in young foals undergoing abdominal surgeries, as it seems to maintain better cardiovascular stability. However, further research may be needed to confirm these findings and their implications for veterinary practice.