Prevalence of Electrolyte Disturbances and Perianesthetic Death Risk Factors in 120 Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intraoperative electrolyte disturbances and risk factors associated with perianesthetic death in horses undergoing colic surgery. The files of 120 horses meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data retrieved from the medical records, including demographic data and the occurrence of electrolyte disturbances and other intraoperative complications, were analyzed with a two step-approach by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Hypocalcemia was the most represented electrolyte disturbance (52.5%), followed by hypokalemia (30.0%) that was associated with intraoperative administration of salbutamol (P = .045). Perianesthetic death occurred in 46 horses, accounting for an overall mortality rate of 38.3%. Risk factors associated with death were anesthetic duration (P = .001), body weight (P = .020), presence of gastric reflux before anesthesia (P = .021), and intraoperative tachycardia (P = .043) and acidosis (P = .025). The mortality in the study population was comparable to previously reported findings. Based on the study findings, it is advisable to optimize hemodynamics prior to anesthesia, in order to prevent intraoperative tachycardia that is associated with increased risk of death. Heavier horses and those with gastric reflux may have a higher risk of fatalities, and intraoperative salbutamol administration may contribute to hypokalemia.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-11-12 PubMed ID: 31864468DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102843Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the prevalence of electrolyte imbalances and the risk factors that contribute to anesthesia-related deaths in horses undergoing surgery for colic. The authors find that imbalances are common in this scenario and identify several factors that raise the likelihood of death.
Methodology
- The researchers examined the medical records of 120 horses that met the study’s criteria.
- They collected and analyzed data on the horses’ demographic characteristics, whether or not electrolyte imbalances occurred, and any other complications that unfolded during surgery.
- This data was evaluated using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, which are statistical processes that relate the effects of multiple variables to a certain outcome—in this case, the incidence of electrolyte imbalances and the chances of death during anesthesia.
Findings
- The most commonly observed electrolyte imbalance was hypocalcemia (a deficiency of calcium in the bloodstream), which appeared in 52.5% of cases, followed by hypokalemia (having too little potassium), observed in 30% of cases.
- The researchers discovered a link between the administration of salbutamol—a drug used to treat breathing problems—and the occurrence of hypokalemia (P = .045).
- Of the 120 horses, 46 (38.3%) died during the perianesthetic period. This mortality rate is comparable to those documented in previous research.
Risk Factors
- The study identified several risk factors linked with death during anesthesia, including a long duration of anesthesia (P = .001), heavy body weight (P = .020), existing gastric reflux prior to anesthesia (P = .021), and intraoperative complications such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) (P = .043) and acidosis (excessive acid in the body fluids) (P = .025).
Recommendations
- Acknowledging their findings, the authors recommend stabilizing the animals’ hemodynamics—or the forces involved in circulating blood—before anesthesia to prevent intraoperative tachycardia, which increases the risk of death.
- This study suggests that larger horses and those with gastric reflux ahead of anesthesia are at greater risk of death.
- It also advises caution when using salbutamol during surgery, as it may trigger hypokalemia.
Cite This Article
APA
Adami C, Westwood-Hearn H, Bolt DM, Monticelli P.
(2019).
Prevalence of Electrolyte Disturbances and Perianesthetic Death Risk Factors in 120 Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery.
J Equine Vet Sci, 84, 102843.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102843 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK. Electronic address: cadami@rvc.ac.uk.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Colic / veterinary
- Electrolytes
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Gałęska E, Wrzecińska M, Kowalczyk A, Araujo JP. Reproductive Consequences of Electrolyte Disturbances in Domestic Animals.. Biology (Basel) 2022 Jul 3;11(7).
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