Effect of xylazine and ketamine on intraocular pressure in horses.

This research investigates the impact of xylazine and ketamine on the intraocular pressure in horses, noting a potential decrease after administration.

Overview of the Research

• The study aimed to understand the effect of two drugs, xylazine and ketamine, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in horses. IOP is the fluid pressure inside the eye and it’s an important aspect for eye health.
• The researchers used eight horses for the experiment. The horses’ nerves near the eyelids (the auriculopalpebral nerve) were blocked and lignocaine, a local anesthetic, was applied topically.
• The horses were administered with xylazine at a dosage of 1.1mg/kg intravenously, and IOP measurements were taken before and after this administration.
• Subsequently, the horses were administered ketamine at a dosage rate of 2.2mg/kg, intravenously and measurements again noted.
• Readings were recorded every two minutes for 16 minutes, post-administration of ketamine, and also after recovery from anaesthesia.

Outcomes of the Research

• Results showed that prior to xylazine administration, the intraocular pressure was averaged at 17.1 +/- 3.9 mm Hg in the left eyes and at 18.4 +/- 2.2 mm Hg in the right eyes of the horses.
• After the administration of xylazine and ketamine, the researchers observed a trend in decreasing intraocular pressure in horses’ eyes.
• It was found that there was a significant decrease in IOP in one eye six minutes after the administration of ketamine.

Significance of the Research

• The findings of this study are crucial as they provide insights into how the administration of xylazine and ketamine can influence intraocular pressure in horses.
• As intraocular pressure is a critical parameter for ophthalmic health, understanding the impacts of various drugs on it can help in managing and preventing eye diseases in animals, such as glaucoma.