Hormonal, metabolic and physiological effects of laparoscopic surgery using a detomidine-buprenorphine combination in standing horses.

The research investigates how a combination of the drugs detomidine and buprenorphine affects horses that undergo laparoscopic surgery while standing. The study focuses on the hormonal, metabolic, and physiological responses to this process.

Methodology

• The study involved eight healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses, five healthy adult ponies that underwent laparoscopy, and five healthy adult horses used as a control group who did not undergo surgery.
• First, an initial injection of detomidine and buprenorphine provided a sedative effect. The sedation was then maintained using a continuous infusion of only detomidine.
• Various physiological parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pH, arterial oxygen, and carbon dioxide tensions, were monitored during the process.
• Blood samples were also taken from the horses to measure glucose, lactate, cortisol, insulin, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels.
• At the end of the process, the effects of detomidine were antagonized using atipamezole.

Findings

• The process provided suitable conditions for performing standing laparoscopy in horses.
• The laparoscopy induced clear metabolic and endocrine responses. However, with the exception of NEFA values, these changes were not significantly different from those noted in the control group.
• While atipamezole did not produce detectable adverse effects, it was suggested that it may not be essential to use it to counteract the effects of detomidine in all cases.

Conclusion

• The technique described in the study provides adequate sedation and analgesia for laparoscopic procedures in horses.
• The infusion rate of detomidine could be adjusted to control the level of sedation and analgesia.
• In some cases, it may not be necessary to use an antagonist to the effects of detomidine.