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Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia2005; 32(3); 128-135; doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00194.x

Electroencephalographic and cardiovascular variables as nociceptive indicators in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses.

Abstract: To evaluate Fourier-transformed electroencephalographic (EEG) variables, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and pulse rate as nociceptive indicators in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses. Methods: Five standardbred and three Norwegian cold-blooded trotter stallions undergoing castration, aged 2-4 years, mass 378-538 kg. Methods: All horses received intravenous (IV) detomidine (10 microg kg(-1) IV) and butorphanol (0.01 mg kg(-1) IV). Additional detomidine (4 microg kg(-1) IV) was administered in the induction area. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.5 mg kg(-1) IV) and diazepam (40 microg kg(-1) IV), and maintained for 30 minutes with isoflurane (end-tidal concentration of 1.4%) vaporized in oxygen. The electroencephalogram, MAP and pulse rate were recorded for 15 minutes, beginning 5 minutes before skin incision. Differences between the mean values of recordings taken before, and during surgery were calculated and tested for significant differences using a two-sided Student's t-test. Results: A significant rise in MAP and a fall in pulse rate were found. No significant change was found in any EEG variable. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL relevance Of the variables evaluated, MAP seems to be the most sensitive and reliable indicator of nociception in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses.
Publication Date: 2005-05-10 PubMed ID: 15877659DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00194.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Evaluation Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research explores the effectiveness of using electroencephalographic (EEG) variables, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and pulse rate as indicators of pain sensation in horses anesthetized with isoflurane. The results suggest that of all variables considered, MAP demonstrates the highest sensitivity and reliability for detecting pain in horses under anesthesia.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted on five standardbred and three Norwegian cold-blooded trotter stallions aged between 2 to 4 years, weighing between 378 to 538 kg, all of which were undergoing castration.
  • All the horses were given detomidine and butorphanol intravenously prior to the procedure. They were additionally given detomidine in the induction area.
  • The anaesthesia was induced using ketamine and diazepam, and was maintained for 30 minutes with isoflurane vaporized in oxygen.
  • The electroencephalogram, MAP and pulse rate were recorded for 15 minutes starting 5 minutes before skin incision.
  • The mean values of the readings taken before and during the surgery were compared and tested for significant differences using a two-sided student’s t-test.

Research Findings

  • The study found a significant increase in MAP and a decrease in pulse rate.
  • No significant change was observed in any of the EEG variables monitored during the procedure.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

  • The research concludes that of all the variables studied, MAP appears to be the most sensitive and accurate indicator of nociception (pain perception) in horses anesthetized with isoflurane.
  • This finding could guide veterinary surgeons and anesthetists in monitoring and managing the nociceptive responses in horses during surgical procedures, aiming to ensure optimal animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Haga HA, Dolvik NI. (2005). Electroencephalographic and cardiovascular variables as nociceptive indicators in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses. Vet Anaesth Analg, 32(3), 128-135. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00194.x

Publication

ISSN: 1467-2987
NlmUniqueID: 100956422
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 128-135

Researcher Affiliations

Haga, Henning A
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo. andreas.haga@veths.no
Dolvik, Nils I

    MeSH Terms

    • Anesthesia / veterinary
    • Anesthetics, Inhalation / pharmacology
    • Animals
    • Blood Pressure / drug effects
    • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
    • Central Nervous System / drug effects
    • Electroencephalography / veterinary
    • Heart Rate / drug effects
    • Horses / physiology
    • Horses / surgery
    • Isoflurane / pharmacology
    • Male
    • Orchiectomy / veterinary
    • Pain Measurement / veterinary

    Citations

    This article has been cited 15 times.
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