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Equine veterinary journal2023; 56(5); 944-951; doi: 10.1111/evj.14026

Incidence and risk factors for complications associated with equine general anaesthesia for elective magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Complications are a practical consideration for elective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed under general anaesthesia but relatively little is known about their distribution and risk factors. Objective: To describe the incidence of complications associated with MRI performed under general anaesthesia at a large referral facility and evaluate potential risk factors for these complications. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Patient information and details of the MRI procedure were collected retrospectively from medical records of all horses that had undergone an MRI under general anaesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, between September 2005 and April 2012. Complications and categorical variables were examined by chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. A mixed-effects logistic regression approach was used to evaluate associations between explanatory variables and the outcome variable (complications or pyrexia). A univariable screen was used to select variables (likelihood ratio test p < 0.2) for inclusion in the multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was inferred when p ≤ 0.05. Results: Complications were noted after MRI in 51 (17.4%) of 293 events eligible for inclusion. Complications included pyrexia (n = 35), pneumonia (n = 14), colic (n = 10), facial/nerve paralysis (n = 6), diarrhoea (n = 4), and other (n = 3). The odds of developing a post-anaesthetic complication were significantly decreased in horses that received peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.14-0.63, p = 0.002). Increased age (OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.76-0.99, p = 0.03) and peri-anaesthetic antimicrobial administration (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.65, p = 0.005) were associated with a decreased odds of developing pyrexia. Conclusions: Single centre retrospective design. Conclusions: Potential complications including pyrexia, pneumonia and colic should be recognised when pursuing MRI under general anaesthesia. The administration of peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials decreased the odds of a complication and warrants consideration, particularly in horses that might be classified as high risk.
© 2023 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-11-07 PubMed ID: 37935450DOI: 10.1111/evj.14026Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article examines the occurrence and potential risk factors for complications related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed under general anesthesia in horses at a considerable referral facility. The report concludes that issues like pyrexia, pneumonia, and colic could emerge from an MRI under general anesthesia. The administration of antimicrobials during the anesthesia process can significantly reduce the odds of these complications, especially in high-risk horses.

Research Methodology

  • The research was based on a retrospective case-control study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center.
  • The researchers collected information about the patients and details of their MRI procedures from September 2005 to April 2012.
  • A range of explanatory variables, such as age, antimicrobial administration, and more, were considered for their potential influence on the occurrence of complications.
  • Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to examine complications and categorical variables.
  • A mixed-effects logistic regression was deployed to evaluate the associations between explanatory variables and the outcome variable, with statistical significance determined for p ≤ 0.05.

Findings

  • Out of the 293 MRI events that were eligible for inclusion, complications were noted in 51 cases (representing 17.4% of the sample).
  • The complications included pyrexia (n = 35), pneumonia (n = 14), colic (n = 10), nerve paralysis (n = 6), diarrhoea (n = 4), and other unspecified complications (n = 3).

Crucial Associations

  • Horses that received peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials displayed significantly lowered odds of developing a post-anaesthetic complication.
  • Increased age was associated with a decrease in odds of developing pyrexia.
  • Similarly, peri-anaesthetic antimicrobial administration was linked with a decreased likelihood of developing pyrexia.

Conclusions

  • The research concludes that potential complications such as pyrexia, pneumonia, and colic should be recognized when performing an MRI under general anaesthesia.
  • The practice of providing peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials seems to decrease the likelihood of a complication and is recommended for consideration, particularly in horses categorized as high risk.

Cite This Article

APA
Morgan JM, Aceto H, Manzi T, Davidson EJ. (2023). Incidence and risk factors for complications associated with equine general anaesthesia for elective magnetic resonance imaging. Equine Vet J, 56(5), 944-951. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14026

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 5
Pages: 944-951

Researcher Affiliations

Morgan, Jessica M
  • Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA.
Aceto, Helen
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Manzi, Timothy
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Davidson, Elizabeth J
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Anesthesia, General / veterinary
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Incidence

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Manning H, Sampson S. Peri-anaesthetic complications in 1798 equids undergoing high-field elective orthopaedic MRI at a tertiary referral hospital. Equine Vet J 2025 May;57(3):666-673.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14208pubmed: 39143703google scholar: lookup
  2. Vullo C, Gugliandolo E, Biondi V, Biffarella M, Catone G, Tambella AM. Comparison of Detomidine or Romifidine in Combination with Morphine for Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Horses. Vet Sci 2024 Mar 8;11(3).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci11030124pubmed: 38535858google scholar: lookup
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