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How to score sedation and adjust the administration rate of sedatives in horses: a literature review and introduction of the Ghent Sedation Algorithm.
Abstract: To summarize the different methods used to assess sedation and/or adjust the dose or administration rate of alpha-2 agonists in horses and to propose an algorithm to adjust the administration rate of a constant rate infusion of an alpha-2 agonist in horses. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science; search terms: horse, sedation and score. Conclusions: Most authors distinguish between sedation depth, sedation quality and degree of ataxia. These three features are evaluated using scoring systems similar to those classically used to assess pain, i.e. simple descriptive scales, numerical rating scales (NRS), visual analogue scales and/or multifactorial sedation scales. In addition, head height above the ground is often used as a measure of the depth of sedation. Very few authors have described how to adjust the administration rate or dose of alpha-2 agonists. Based on the available literature, the Ghent Sedation Algorithm was developed, which assigns scores (NRS) for degree of ataxia, sedation depth and surgical conditions, and uses these to prescribe changes in the administration rate of constant rate infusions of alpha-2 agonists. Studies are needed to validate this algorithm.
Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date: 2018-09-19 PubMed ID: 30528671DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2018.08.005Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research is a literature review highlighting various methods used to assess and administer sedation to horses. This concludes by proposing a new algorithm, called the Ghent Sedation Algorithm, for adjusting the administration rate of a specific sedative in horses.
Research Methodology
- The researchers carried out a literature review using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science.
- They used the search terms horse, sedation, and score to extract relevant studies for the review.
- The aim was to understand different methodologies used for scoring sedation and adjusting the doses of alpha-2 agonists in horses.
Results and Findings
- The team discovered that most authors differentiate between sedation depth, sedation quality, and degree of ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements).
- These features are usually evaluated using scoring systems akin to those used for measuring pain. Some examples include simple descriptive scales, numerical rating scales (NRS), visual analogue scales, and multifactorial sedation scales.
- The researchers found that the height of the horse’s head above the ground is frequently used as a measure of sedation depth.
- However, they discovered that very few authors have described precise methods for adjusting the administration rate or dose of alpha-2 agonists for horses.
Development of Ghent Sedation Algorithm
- Taking into consideration the literature, the Ghent Sedation Algorithm was invented.
- This algorithm assigns numerical rating scores (NRS) for the degree of ataxia, depth of sedation, and surgical conditions. The results are then used to recommend adjustments in the administration rate of constant rate infusions of alpha-2 agonists.
- The algorithm provides a systematic method for controlling the dosage and administration rate of alpha-2 agonists, contributing to safer and more effective sedation processes in horses.
Future Research
- Although this paper introduced a new, potentially more effective method for administering sedation to horses, its real-world effectiveness still needs validation.
- Further studies are required to test the Ghent Sedation Algorithm and confirm its effectiveness and safety in practical settings.
Cite This Article
APA
Schauvliege S, Cuypers C, Michielsen A, Gasthuys F, Gozalo-Marcilla M.
(2018).
How to score sedation and adjust the administration rate of sedatives in horses: a literature review and introduction of the Ghent Sedation Algorithm.
Vet Anaesth Analg, 46(1), 4-13.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaa.2018.08.005 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. Electronic address: Stijn.Schauvliege@UGent.be.
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
- Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / pharmacology
- Algorithms
- Animals
- Conscious Sedation / veterinary
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Horses / physiology
- Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
- Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
- Infusions, Intravenous / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 19 times.- Narinx F, Monclin S, Sauvage A, Vercruysse E, Heimann M, Alloway E, Vandersmissen M, Grauwels M. Identification of an ectopic periorbital lymph node in two horses. Open Vet J 2022 Sep-Oct;12(5):768-773.
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