Observations of the potency and duration of vecuronium in isoflurane-anesthetized horses

Further experiences with vercuronium in the horse

“…2010). We have recently reported single twitch reduction that varied between 0 and 70% ( n = 5) after 0.05 mg kg −1 vecuronium in isoflurane‐anaesthetized horses (Martin‐Flores et al. 2012, in press); additionally, we have encountered three horses in which vecuronium completely failed to produce detectable twitch depression with AMG (two received 0.05 mg kg −1 and one received 0.1 mg kg −1 vecuronium).…”

“…In our experience, atracurium 0.05 mg kg −1 usually lasts much <50 minutes, hence we concur that atracurium is likely to act synergistically with vecuronium to prolong neuromuscular block. However, it is worth pointing out that 0.05 mg kg −1 vecuronium on its own can produce partial blockade that lasts >40 minutes (Martin‐Flores et al. 2012 in press).…”

“…Thirdly, the authors report that a commonly used dose of edrophonium was insufficient to reverse neuromuscular block. Our team has experienced difficulty when using even larger doses of edrophonium to reverse vecuronium‐induced block in several species including the horse (Martin‐Flores et al. 2011, 2012, in press); however this has not been our experience when edrophonium was used to reverse atracurium‐induced block.…”

“…Lastly, Gurney and Mosing emphasized the use of AMG monitoring for assisting in the titration of edrophonium administration until an accepted level of recovery was achieved. Acceleromyographic monitoring reliably permits detection of residual block, a complication that may go undetected with subjective monitoring such as direct observation of evoked twitches and which might happen frequently with vecuronium in horses because it can produce partial block for >40 minutes (Martin‐Flores et al. 2008, 2012, in press).…”

Practical application of acceleromyography to monitor neuromuscular block in a horse

“…In Mosing et al (2010)'s study performed in Shetland ponies in lateral recumbency, NMB was monitored, stimulating the radial nerve and assessing movement of the hoof using AMG. These locations were also used by Martin-Flores et al (2012) in horses in dorsal recumbency. In each case the cables supplied with the apparatus were adequate for purpose; in one case because the ponies were small; in the other as the flexed positioning of the thoracic limb in dorsal recumbency shortens the distance between the nerve and the recording site.…”