Cardiovascular effects of thoracic compression in horses subjected to euthanasia.

This research examined the cardiovascular impacts of thoracic compression on horses during euthanasia. The results demonstrate that high rates of chest compressions show significant increases in blood flow and blood pressure levels, which may potentially be used to prolong life to aid the delivery of resuscitative drugs.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of thoracic compression on horses undergoing euthanasia. It’s a type of study that seeks to understand the physiological changes that occur during the euthanasia process.

Methodology

• Six horses scheduled for euthanasia were equipped with monitoring equipment to measure blood flow, arterial and right atrial pressure, as well as facilitate arterial blood collection for pH and blood gas analysis.
• Each horse was then anaesthetized using intravenous thiamylal sodium and laid on their right side.
• Euthanasia was carried out using an overdose of pentobarbitone sodium. After the loss of heartbeat and arterial pulse pressure, various rates of thoracic compression were applied.
• An investigator performed the chest compressions by delivering a knee blow to the horse’s chest from a standing or crouching position. This was done at rates of 40, 60, and 80 compressions per minute.

Results and Conclusion

• Compression rates of 40, 60, and 80 per minute resulted in blood flows of 5.65, 6.33, and 8.28 litres/min, respectively.
• Compression rates of 80 compressions/minute significantly increased blood flow and mean arterial blood pressure compared to slower rates.
• The blood flows caused by 80 compressions/minute were approximately 50% of those reported for deeply anaesthetized horses.
• Although insufficient to sustain life, these findings suggest that high rates of chest compressions might be used to temporarily prolong life for facilitating the distribution of resuscitative drugs to vital tissues.