Short term immobilization in the horse with ketamine CHl and promazine HCl combinations.

This research explores the use of a combination of promazine HCl and ketamine HCl to induce short-term disassociation anaesthesia in horses, allowing minor surgery to be performed.

Objective of the Research

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of two substances, promazine HCl and ketamine HCl, to create a state of transient anaesthesia (also referred to as dissociative anaesthesia) in horses. The instances for such anaesthesia were under regular clinical settings, ideal for minor surgical procedures.

Methodology

• The study employed two specified methods with the combinations of these substances.
• In the first method, they administered 1 mg/kg of promazine HCl as premedication. After a wait of 5 minutes, they gave a rapid intravenous (i.v.) injection of 2 mg/kg ketamine HCl.
• In the second method, both promazine HCl (1 mg/kg) and ketamine HCl (2 mg/kg) were given simultaneously through a quick i.v. injection.

Results of the Study

• The first method, involving a sequenced administration, delivered a dissociative anaesthesia duration average of 16 +/- 1 minute.
• The simultaneous administration, however, resulted in a slightly longer average duration of dissociative anaesthesia, at 17.1 +/- 2 minutes.
• In both scenarios, the induced level of anaesthesia was sufficiently effective to allow minor surgical procedures to be conducted on the horses under treatment.

Significance of the Research

• This study presents a beneficial perspective on the effective use of promazine and ketamine in veterinary procedures, particularly for horses.
• The results could be particularly useful in designing anaesthesia protocols for minor surgeries in horses, setting an operational standard for these scenarios.