Intravenous anesthesia.

This research discusses the use of various drugs for preanesthetic sedation in horses, noting that among anticholinergics, tranquilizers, and sedative-hypnotics, the most commonly used are tranquilizers, particularly Acepromazine, and sedatives, especially xylazine and detomidine. It also highlights changes in selections of anesthetic agents with more modern combinations replacing older ones.

Preanesthetic Sedation in Horses

• Anticholinergics, tranquilizers and sedative-hypnotics are typically used for preanesthetic sedation in horses. An initial overview explains that amongst these, anticholinergics hold little significance in horse sedation.
• The tranquilizer most commonly used is Acepromazine, due to its usefulness and widespread application.
• Xylazine is described as a popular and safe choice for sedation in horses. Besides, a new sedative named Detomidine has recently been made available for clinical use in equines.

Changes in Anesthetic Agents

• The research mentions that thiobarbiturates are rarely used independently nowadays, but still find use in combination with guaifenesin to induce and maintain anesthesia in horses. Thiobarbiturates and chloral hydrate, once commonly used for sedating horses, have largely been replaced.
• Modern drug combinations that are largely superseding the previously used anesthetic drugs include Ketamine with Xylazine, Telazol with Xylazine, Telazol with Detomidine, and Ketamine with Xylazine and Guaifenesin.
• These changes in the selection of drugs reflect advancements in veterinary anesthesia, with new drug combinations aimed at ensuring safer and more effective sedation for horses.