Ataxia and muscle weakness after thiopental anaesthesia in a horse being treated with fluconazole

Abstract

An 8-year-old, male, neutered Argentinian polo pony underwent two ocular surgeries due to a fungal abscess. The horse was on treatment with fluconazole before and during the time when the two anaesthetic procedures took place. The only difference between anaesthetic events was the induction agent. During the first anaesthetic procedure, ketamine was used. However, during the second anaesthetic procedure, due to ocular fragility sodium thiopental was preferred to avoid increase in intraocular pressure. The first anaesthetic duration was 130 minutes, and standing was achieved after 20 minutes of isoflurane discontinuation, with no complications. The second anaesthetic procedure lasted for 60 minutes, but standing was not achieved until 70 minutes after isoflurane discontinuation. The horse was ataxic with muscle weakness for 6 hours after standing. However, the horse recovered successfully and was discharged 2 months after the first surgical procedure.