Evaluation of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol or ketamine-medetomidine-propofol combination in horses.

The research article discusses a comparison study between two methods of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in horses: a propofol-only method (P-TIVA) and a method combining ketamine, medetomidine, and propofol (KMP-TIVA). The study establishes that both methods were clinically effective, with the ketamine-medetomidine combination presenting a sparing effect on the propofol requirement.

Research Design & Procedure

• The study designed a randomized experimental trial involving 12 horses. Each horse was assigned into two groups: P-TIVA group and KMP-TIVA group.
• All horses were first given medetomidine, and then anesthesia was induced with midazolam and ketamine. Afterward, a loading dose of propofol was administered to all horses.
• In the P-TIVA group, horses were provided an infusion of propofol, while in the KMP-TIVA group, horses were given an infusion of ketamine and medetomidine, and the rate of propofol infusion was adjusted to maintain anesthesia.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Throughout the experiment, the horses’ arterial blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. The quality of anesthetic induction, transition to TIVA, and maintenance of and recovery from anesthesia were evaluated.
• The study compared the propofol infusion rates, anesthesia times, heart rates, blood pressures, and recovery times between the two methods.

Results

• Both the P-TIVA and KMP-TIVA methods were shown to provide satisfactory anesthesia in horses.
• The propofol infusion rate was significantly lower in the KMP-TIVA group, indicating a sparing effect on propofol requirement compared to the P-TIVA group.
• The overall anesthesia time, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were maintained within acceptable limits for both groups. There was no noticeable difference in the time required for the horses to stand after anesthesia.
• The recovery from both methods was considered good and satisfactory, respectively.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that both the propofol-only method and the ketamine-medetomidine-propofol combination method can provide clinically useful anesthesia for horses.
• The study highlights that the KMP-TIVA can spare the amount of propofol needed for maintaining anesthesia, which could be a more cost-effective option in veterinary practice.