Animals

Research

12 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agreement of High-Definition Oscillometry (HDO) and Invasive Blood Pressure Measurements at a Metatarsal Artery in Isoflurane-Anaesthetised Horses

by Lara Twele, Stephan Neudeck, Julien Delarocque, Nicole Verhaar, Julia Reiners, Mike Noll, Julia Tünsmeyer and Sabine B. R. Kästner

Animals 2022, 12(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030363 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

High-definition oscillometry (HDO) over the metatarsal artery (MA) in anaesthetised horses has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess agreement between HDO and invasive blood pressure (IBP) at the metatarsal artery, and to evaluate compliance with the American College of Veterinary [...] Read more.

High-definition oscillometry (HDO) over the metatarsal artery (MA) in anaesthetised horses has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess agreement between HDO and invasive blood pressure (IBP) at the metatarsal artery, and to evaluate compliance with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus guidelines. In this experimental study, 11 horses underwent general anaesthesia for an unrelated, terminal surgical trial. Instrumentation included an IBP catheter in one and an HDO cuff placed over the contralateral MA, as well as thermodilution catheters. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and cardiac output were measured simultaneously. Normotension (MAP 61–119 mmHg) was maintained during the surgical study. Subsequently, hypotension (MAP ≤ 60 mmHg) and hypertension (MAP ≥ 120 mmHg) were induced pharmacologically. For MAP, the agreement between HDO and IBP was acceptable during normotension, while during hypotension and hypertension, IBP was overestimated and underestimated by HDO, respectively. The monitor failed to meet most ACVIM validation criteria. Consequently, if haemodynamic compromise or rapid blood pressure changes are anticipated, IBP remains preferable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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13 pages, 1603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of 15° Reverse Trendelenburg Position on Arterial Oxygen Tension during Isoflurane Anesthesia in Horses

by Laura Tucker, Daniel Almeida, Erin Wendt-Hornickle, Caroline F. Baldo, Sandra Allweiler and Alonso G. P. Guedes

Animals 2022, 12(3), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030353 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4111

Abstract

Lower than expected arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂) continues to be an unresolved problem in equine anesthesia. The aim of this randomized, crossover, and prospective study using six adult horses is to determine if a 15° reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) increases PaO [...] Read more.

Lower than expected arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂) continues to be an unresolved problem in equine anesthesia. The aim of this randomized, crossover, and prospective study using six adult horses is to determine if a 15° reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) increases PaO₂ during inhalation anesthesia. Under constant-dose isoflurane anesthesia, dorsally recumbent horses were positioned either horizontally (HP) or in a 15° RTP for 2 h. Lungs were mechanically ventilated (15 mL/kg, 6 breaths/min). Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO₂), PaO₂, inspired oxygen fraction (FiO₂), and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (EtCO₂) were determined every 30 min during anesthesia. Indices of dead-space ventilation (Vd/Vt), oxygenation (P–F ratio), and perfusion (F–shunt) were calculated. Dobutamine and phenylephrine were used to support mean arterial pressure (MAP). Data are presented as median and range. In one horse, which was deemed an outlier due to its thoracic dimensions and body conformation, indices of oxygenation worsened in RTP compared to HP (median PaO₂ 438 vs. 568 mmHg; P–F ratio 454 vs. 586 mmHg, and F–shunt 13.0 vs. 5.7 mmHg). This horse was excluded from calculations. In the remaining five horses they were significantly better with RTP compared to HP. Results in remaining five horses showed that PaO₂ (502, 467–575 vs. 437, 395–445 mmHg), P-F ratio (518, 484–598 vs. 455, 407–458 mmHg), and F-shunt (10.1, 4.2–11.7 vs. 14.2, 13.8–16.0 mmHg) were significantly different between RTP and HP (p = 0.03). Other variables were not significantly different. In conclusion, the 15° RTP resulted in better oxygenation than HP in dorsally recumbent, isoflurane-anesthetized horses, although worsening of oxygenation may occur in individual horses. A study detailing the cardiovascular consequences of RTP is necessary before it can be recommended for clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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12 pages, 3479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Blind and Ultrasound-Guided Retrobulbar Nerve Blocks in Equine Cadavers: The Training Effect

by Hanneke Hermans, Ralph A. Lloyd-Edwards, Aukje J. H. Ferrão-van Sommeren, Anne A. Tersmette, Jacobine C. M. Schouten, Filipe M. Serra Bragança and Johannes P. A. M. van Loon

Animals 2022, 12(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020154 - 9 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2415

Abstract

In standing ophthalmic surgery in horses, a retrobulbar nerve block (RNB) is often placed blindly for anesthesia and akinesia. The ultrasound (US)-guided RNB may have fewer complications, but the two techniques have only been compared once in equine cadavers. This study compares the [...] Read more.

In standing ophthalmic surgery in horses, a retrobulbar nerve block (RNB) is often placed blindly for anesthesia and akinesia. The ultrasound (US)-guided RNB may have fewer complications, but the two techniques have only been compared once in equine cadavers. This study compares the techniques for success and complication rates and analyzes the effect of training on US guidance. Twenty-two equine cadavers were divided into three groups: blind RNBs were performed bilaterally in eight cadavers, US-guided RNBs were performed bilaterally in seven cadavers, and after US-guided training, blind RNBs were performed bilaterally in seven cadavers. All RNBs were performed by the same two inexperienced operators, and a combination of contrast medium (CM; 1.25 mL) and methylene blue dye (1.25 mL) were injected (2.5 mL total volume). Needle positioning in the periorbita and the distance of the CM to the optic foramen were assessed using computerized tomography (CT). Dye spreading was evaluated by dissection. In group 1, 37.5% of the injections were in the optimal central position in the periorbita; in group 2, 75% and in group 3, 71.4%. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding needle position (groups 1 and 2 p = 0.056; groups 1 and 3 p = 0.069, groups 2 and 3 p = 0.8). The mean CM distribution distance was not significantly different between all groups. Group 1 had 18.75% intraocular injections versus 0% in group 2 and 7.1% in group 3 (not significant). US guidance showed no significant increases in accuracy nor decreases in complications. However, the effects on accuracy showed a trend towards significant improvement, and larger scale follow-up studies might show significant training effects on US guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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11 pages, 562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fentanyl Infusion on Heart Rate Variability and Anaesthetic Requirements in Isoflurane-Anaesthetized Horses

by Petra Dmitrović, Jana Vanaga, Julien Dupont, Thierry Franck, Alexandra Gougnard, Johann Detilleux, Liga Kovalcuka, Alexandra Salciccia, Didier Serteyn and Charlotte Sandersen

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102922 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2727

Abstract

Controversy continues to surround the use of opioids in equine anaesthesia, with variable effects reported. This blinded clinical study aimed to investigate the influence of a low-dose fentanyl continuous rate infusion (CRI) on isoflurane requirements, parasympathetic tone activity (PTA), and anaesthetic parameters in [...] Read more.

Controversy continues to surround the use of opioids in equine anaesthesia, with variable effects reported. This blinded clinical study aimed to investigate the influence of a low-dose fentanyl continuous rate infusion (CRI) on isoflurane requirements, parasympathetic tone activity (PTA), and anaesthetic parameters in horses during general anaesthesia. All of the twenty-two horses included in the research underwent a standard anaesthetic protocol. Eleven horses in the fentanyl group (Group F) received a loading dose of fentanyl at 6 µg/kg, followed by a CRI of 0.1 µg/kg/min during anaesthesia. A further 11 horses in the control group (Group C) received equivalent volumes of normal saline. Anaesthetic parameters and PTA index were recorded during anaesthesia. The achieved mean fentanyl plasma concentration was 6.2 ± 0.83 ng/mL. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in isoflurane requirements, MAP values, and mean dobutamine requirements. However, horses in Group F required a significantly lower dose of additional ketamine to maintain a sufficient depth of anaesthesia. Significantly higher PTA values were found in the fentanyl group. Further research is warranted to determine the limitations of PTA monitoring, and the influence of various anaesthetics on its values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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12 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methadone or Butorphanol as Pre-Anaesthetic Agents Combined with Romifidine in Horses Undergoing Elective Surgery: Qualitative Assessment of Sedation and Induction

by Sara Nannarone, Giacomo Giannettoni, Chiara Laurenza, Andrea Giontella and Giulia Moretti

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092572 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3617

Abstract

While butorphanol is the most commonly used opioid in horses, methadone is not licensed in most countries. Our aim was to compare the effects of both drugs, combined with romifidine, regarding the quality of sedation and induction in horses undergoing elective surgery. Results [...] Read more.

While butorphanol is the most commonly used opioid in horses, methadone is not licensed in most countries. Our aim was to compare the effects of both drugs, combined with romifidine, regarding the quality of sedation and induction in horses undergoing elective surgery. Results indicate the suitability of both methadone and butorphanol in this patient population. Animals were scored 10 min after intravenous injection of sedatives. Despite lower overall sedation (OS) score in horses receiving methadone (p = 0.002), the quality and time of induction and intubation remained unchanged. None of the horses had the lowest OS score (no sedation), nor the highest score for ataxia (horse falling). Methadone induced a tendency for minor noise reaction yet minor head lowering scores, the latter being probably the most influencing parameter when scoring OS. Measured physiological parameters decreased in both groups, with greater bradycardia recorded after methadone (p = 0.017), including a higher incidence of atrioventricular blocks that resolved during general anaesthesia. The quality of induction was good–excellent in most of the animals. While comparisons between the degree of antinociception were beyond the scope of this study, analgesic potency might influence the choice when considering opioids as pre-anaesthetic drugs in combination with romifidine before surgery in equines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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23 pages, 1539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data Collection for the Fourth Multicentre Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4) Study: New Technology and Preliminary Results

by Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla, Regula Bettschart-Wolfensberger, Mark Johnston, Polly M. Taylor and Jose I. Redondo

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092549 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6828

Abstract

It is almost 20 years since the largest observational, multicentre study evaluating the risks of mortality associated with general anaesthesia in horses. We proposed an internet-based method to collect data (cleaned and analysed with R) in a multicentre, cohort, observational, analytical, longitudinal and [...] Read more.

It is almost 20 years since the largest observational, multicentre study evaluating the risks of mortality associated with general anaesthesia in horses. We proposed an internet-based method to collect data (cleaned and analysed with R) in a multicentre, cohort, observational, analytical, longitudinal and prospective study to evaluate peri-operative equine mortality. The objective was to report the usefulness of the method, illustrated with the preliminary data, including outcomes for horses seven days after undergoing general anaesthesia and certain procedures using standing sedation. Within six months, data from 6701 procedures under general anaesthesia and 1955 standing sedations from 69 centres were collected. The results showed (i) the utility of the method; also, that (ii) the overall mortality rate for general anaesthesia within the seven-day outcome period was 1.0%. In horses undergoing procedures other than exploratory laparotomy for colic (“noncolics”), the rate was lower, 0.6%, and in “colics” it was higher, at 3.4%. For standing sedations, the overall mortality rate was 0.2%. Finally, (iii) we present some descriptive data that demonstrate new developments since the previous CEPEF2. In conclusion, horses clearly still die unexpectedly when undergoing procedures under general anaesthesia or standing sedation. Our method is suitable for case collection for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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16 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Recovery Quality Following Medetomidine versus Xylazine Balanced Isoflurane Anaesthesia in Horses: A Retrospective Analysis

by Isabel Kälin, Inken S. Henze, Simone K. Ringer, Paul R. Torgerson and Regula Bettschart-Wolfensberger

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082440 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3296

Abstract

Medetomidine partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA) has not been compared to xylazine PIVA regarding quality of recovery. This clinical retrospective study compared recoveries following isoflurane anaesthesia balanced with medetomidine or xylazine. The following standard protocol was used: sedation with 7 µg·kg⁻¹ medetomidine or [...] Read more.

Medetomidine partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA) has not been compared to xylazine PIVA regarding quality of recovery. This clinical retrospective study compared recoveries following isoflurane anaesthesia balanced with medetomidine or xylazine. The following standard protocol was used: sedation with 7 µg·kg⁻¹ medetomidine or 1.1 mg·kg⁻¹ xylazine, anaesthesia induction with ketamine/diazepam, maintenance with isoflurane and 3.5 µg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ medetomidine or 0.7 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ xylazine, and sedation after anaesthesia with 2 µg·kg⁻¹ medetomidine or 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹ xylazine. Recovery was timed and, using video recordings, numerically scored by two blinded observers. Influence of demographics, procedure, peri-anaesthetic drugs, and intraoperative complications (hypotension, hypoxemia, and tachycardia) on recovery were analysed using regression analysis (p < 0.05). A total of 470 recoveries (medetomidine 279, xylazine 191) were finally included. Following medetomidine, recoveries were significantly longer (median (interquartile range): 57 (43–71) min) than xylazine (43 (32–59) min) (p < 0.001). However, the number of attempts to stand was similar (medetomidine and xylazine: 2 (1–3)). Poorer scores were seen with increased pre-anaesthetic dose of xylazine, intraoperative tetrastarch, or salbutamol. However, use of medetomidine or xylazine did not influence recovery score, concluding that, following medetomidine–isoflurane PIVA, recovery is longer, but of similar quality compared to xylazine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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11 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Epidural Lidocaine-Xylazine in Elective Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

by Cecilia Vullo, Adolfo Maria Tambella, Marina Meligrana and Giuseppe Catone

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082419 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3081

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy and safety of epidural lidocaine-xylazine administration in standing mules undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in order to suppress unwanted behaviour. Eight mule mares were sedated with intramuscular 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine followed by [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy and safety of epidural lidocaine-xylazine administration in standing mules undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in order to suppress unwanted behaviour. Eight mule mares were sedated with intramuscular 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine followed by 1.3 mg/kg of xylazine and 0.02 mg/kg of butorphanol intravenously. Sedation was maintained by a constant rate infusion of 0.6 mg/kg/h of xylazine. The paralumbar fossae were infiltrated with 30 mL of 2% lidocaine. Epidural anaesthesia was performed at the first intercoccygeal space with 0.2 mg/kg of lidocaine and 0.17 mg/kg of xylazine. After 15 min, bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, invasive arterial blood pressure, degree of analgesia, sedation and ataxia were evaluated during surgery. The laparoscopic ovariectomy was successfully completed in all animals. Sedation and analgesia were considered satisfactory in six out of the eight mules. In conclusion, caudal epidural block allowed surgery to be easily completed in six out of eight. The animals did not show any signs of discomfort associated with nociception and were mostly calm during the procedures, however additional studies are needed to establish epidural doses of xylazine and lidocaine that result in reliable abdominal pain control in mules for standing ovariectomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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13 pages, 1062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analgesic Effect of Butorphanol during Castration in Donkeys under Total Intravenous Anaesthesia

by Paola Straticò, Augusto Carluccio, Vincenzo Varasano, Giulia Guerri, Riccardo Suriano, Domenico Robbe, Ilaria Cerasoli and Lucio Petrizzi

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082346 - 9 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3413

Abstract

Pain management is necessary for all surgical procedures. Little scientific evidence about drug efficacy in donkeys is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of butorphanol in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia with guaifenesin-ketamine-detomidine. A randomized [...] Read more.

Pain management is necessary for all surgical procedures. Little scientific evidence about drug efficacy in donkeys is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of butorphanol in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia with guaifenesin-ketamine-detomidine. A randomized blinded prospective clinical trial (Protocol n. 2021/0000338), was carried out on 18 clinically healthy donkeys undergoing bilateral orchiectomy. Patients were assigned to Group D (n = 8) or Group DB (n = 10) if receiving intravenous detomidine or detomidine-butorphanol respectively, before induction of general anaesthesia with ketamine-diazepam. Intraoperative muscle relaxation, nystagmus, palpebral reflex, heart and respiratory rate, and non-invasive blood pressure were evaluated every 2 min; time to prepare the patient, duration of surgery and anaesthesia and recovery score were recorded. Group D had significantly longer surgical time, higher heart rate, higher systolic and mean blood pressure (p < 0.05; repeated measure ANOVA), increased muscle rigidity and expression of palpebral reflex (p < 0.05; Mann–Whitney U test) than group DB. Top-ups with thiopental were statistically higher in Group D. Butorphanol and detomidine together produced a more stable anaesthetic plan. The low dosage of opioid and alpha-2-agonists and reduced rescue anaesthesia are responsible for a safer and more superficial anaesthesia, which is mandatory under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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20 pages, 2035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spontaneous Behaviors of Post-Orchiectomy Pain in Horses Regardless of the Effects of Time of Day, Anesthesia, and Analgesia

by Pedro Henrique Esteves Trindade, Marilda Onghero Taffarel and Stelio Pacca Loureiro Luna

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061629 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4275

Abstract

This prospective and longitudinal study aimed to identify spontaneous post-orchiectomy pain behaviors in horses regardless of the effects of anesthesia, analgesia, and recording time of day. Twenty-four horses divided into four groups were submitted to: inhalation anesthesia only (GA), or combined with previous [...] Read more.

This prospective and longitudinal study aimed to identify spontaneous post-orchiectomy pain behaviors in horses regardless of the effects of anesthesia, analgesia, and recording time of day. Twenty-four horses divided into four groups were submitted to: inhalation anesthesia only (GA), or combined with previous analgesia (GAA), or orchiectomy under pre (GCA), or postoperative (GC) analgesia. The data obtained from the subtraction of frequency and/or duration of 34 behaviors recorded during seven 60-min time-points in the 24 h after the anesthesia from those recorded in the mirrored time-points in the 24 h before the anesthesia (delta) were compared over time and among groups by Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests, respectively (p < 0.05). Time of day influenced the behaviors of walk, look out the window, rest the pelvic limb, and rest standing still. The only pain-related behaviors were decreased mirrored proportional differences in time spent drinking, and eating, and increased mirrored proportional differences in the frequency or duration of look at the wound, retract the pelvic limb, expose the penis, and look at the back of the stall. In conclusion, confounding factors rather than pain may influence several suggestive pain-related behaviors documented in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

55 pages, 1349 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recovery after General Anaesthesia in Adult Horses: A Structured Summary of the Literature

by Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla and Simone Katja Ringer

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061777 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7616

Abstract

Recovery remains the most dangerous phase of general anaesthesia in horses. The objective of this publication was to perform a structured literature review including levels of evidence (LoE) of each study with the keywords “recovery anaesthesia horse”, entered at once, in [...] Read more.

Recovery remains the most dangerous phase of general anaesthesia in horses. The objective of this publication was to perform a structured literature review including levels of evidence (LoE) of each study with the keywords “recovery anaesthesia horse”, entered at once, in the search browsers PubMed and Web of Science. The two authors independently evaluated each candidate article. A final list with 444 articles was obtained on 5 April 2021, classified as: 41 “narrative reviews/expert opinions”, 16 “retrospective outcome studies”, 5 “surveys”, 59 “premedication/sedation and induction drugs”, 27 “maintenance with inhalant agents”, 55 “maintenance with total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA)”, 3 “TIVA versus inhalants”, 56 “maintenance with partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA)”, 27 “other drugs used during maintenance”, 18 “drugs before/during recovery”, 18 “recovery systems”, 21 “respiratory system in recovery”, 41 “other factors”, 51 “case series/reports” and 6 “systems to score recoveries”. Of them, 167 were LoE 1, 36 LoE 2, 33 LoE 3, 110 LoE 4, 90 LoE 5 and 8 could not be classified based on the available abstract. This review can be used as an up-to-date compilation of the literature about recovery after general anaesthesia in adult horses that tried to minimise the bias inherent to narrative reviews. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

12 pages, 2757 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Evaluation of the Effect of the Inspired Oxygen Fraction on Blood Oxygenation during Inhalant Anaesthesia in Horses: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Ioannis Savvas, Kiriaki Pavlidou, Christina Braun, Stijn Schauvliege, Francesco Staffieri and Yves Moens

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082245 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3796

Abstract

In anaesthetized horses, pronounced ventilation/perfusion mismatching often occurs. Several authors have investigated the effect of lower inspired oxygen fractions (FiO₂) to reduce formation of absorption atelectasis. This systematic review compared the effects of low (<0.6) and high (>0.8) F [...] Read more.

In anaesthetized horses, pronounced ventilation/perfusion mismatching often occurs. Several authors have investigated the effect of lower inspired oxygen fractions (FiO₂) to reduce formation of absorption atelectasis. This systematic review compared the effects of low (<0.6) and high (>0.8) FiO₂ on the arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂), the alveolar-to-arterial oxygen tension difference (P(A-a)O₂), and the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio in horses during inhalation anaesthesia. Using the Systematic Review Protocol for Animal Intervention Studies, four experimental and one clinical investigations were deemed suitable for inclusion. A meta-analysis was performed on the four experimental studies. The PaO₂ was significantly lower (p = 0.0007, mean difference −23.54 kPa, 95% CI −37.18, −9.90) with a lower FiO₂. However, the P(A-a)O₂ was also significantly lower (p < 0.00001, mean difference −20.80 kPa, 95% CI −26.28, −15.32) when using a low FiO₂. For the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, only one study fitted the inclusion criteria, so no meta-analysis was performed. It is concluded that, while only a limited number of studies are available, the use of a higher FiO₂ in horses during inhalation anaesthesia will result in higher levels of PaO₂, but also a larger P(A-a)O₂ difference. Further studies are needed to increase the level of evidence on this subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Equids)

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