Epidural anesthesia and analgesia in horses.

This research investigates different methods of administering epidural anesthesia and analgesia in horses, exploring techniques including caudal epidural injection and catheterization for both conscious and anesthetized animals. It also delves into the use of opioids, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, ketamine and varying pain relief agents.

Development of Anesthetic and Analgesic Epidural Techniques

• The researchers outlined that intercoccygeal or caudal epidural injection of local anesthetics is a common procedure for creating analgesia and local anesthesia of the tail and perineal structures in conscious horses.
• The researchers also discussed how the technique has been refined to provide prolonged analgesia and anesthesia by placing catheters into the epidural space of horses.

Use of Different Analgesic Agents

• The study highlights that newer techniques involve administration of various analgesic agents like opioid, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, and ketamine through caudal epidural injection.
• These agents have been found to be effective in providing pain relief in both conscious, standing and anesthetized, recumbent horses.

Epidural Injection and Catheterization

• The researchers expanded on methods of epidural injection and catheterization, describing how these processes can influence the effectiveness of analgesia and anesthesia techniques.
• They further clarified the procedures for these methods, providing contributions into the refinement of animal anesthetic practices.

Review of Existing Literature

• The chapter delves into the relative literature on epidural analgesia and pain control in horses, offering comprehensive insights into the subject matter.
• This review allows for an understanding of current practices and reveals areas for further research and improvement in the anesthetic and analgesic techniques for horses.