Recovery from anaesthesia in horses 1: what can go wrong?

Auckburally, A. and Flaherty, D. (2009) Recovery from anaesthesia in horses 1: what can go wrong? In Practice, 31(7), pp. 340-347. (doi: 10.1136/inpract.31.7.340)

Abstract

General anaesthesia of horses carries a significant risk, with the recovery period being a time of particular concern. Over the years, a number of different drugs and techniques have been suggested in order to make the transition from unconsciousness to standing as smooth as possible. However, as yet, there is no single generally accepted method of ensuring that the recovery period will proceed uneventfully. This article, the first of two, will review the factors implicated in potentially poor-quality recovery from anaesthesia in horses, and discuss the complications that may arise, together with how to manage them. The second article, to be published in the next issue of In Practice, will highlight some of the techniques that have been suggested in order to minimise the complications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Flaherty, Professor Derek and Auckburally, Mr Adam
• Authors: Auckburally, A., and Flaherty, D.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: In Practice
• ISSN: 0263-841X