The Use of Ketamine, Xylazine and Midazolam Combination for Total Intravenous Anesthesia (Tiva) in Surgical Removal of Abdominal Testis at Stallion

Abstract

Equine veterinarians frequently anesthetize horses. In majority of cases performing short-term anesthesia (duration, 20 minutes). But there is substantial need for long term anesthesia. The aim of this work is to present our experience with a long term and short term total intravenous anesthesia in horses. In this paper we are presenting results of anesthesia monitoring of a horse undergoing surgical remove of an abdominal testis (complete abdominal cryptorchid). Sedation of the horsewas conducted with xylazine, 1.0 mg/kg, iv, and midazolam 0.06 mg/kg, iv. The total anesthesia was induced using a combination of ketamine 2.2mg/kg/iv, and midazolam 0.1 mg/kg/iv. After induction the horse was restrained and anesthesia was maintained with continuous intravenous drip of a combination of drugs mixed in infusion bottle with midazolam (0.002 mg/kg/min), ketamine (0.03 mg/kg/min), and xylazine (0.016 mg/kg/min). Additional ketamine (0.03 mg/kg) and midazolam 0.03 mg/kg/iv was administered if the horse moved its head or limbs during the procedure. The duration of anesthesia was 90 minutes. During this time cardiopulmonary parameters and reflexes were monitored continuously.The recovery of anesthesia was 30 minutes and horse stood on the first attempt 40 minutes. Midazolam, ketamine, and xylazine in combination produced TIVA in this horse and can be used for short term, middle term, and longer lasting surgical procedures in the field.

Clinical Evaluation of Xylazine, Ketamine and Guaifenesin as Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Equines

“…E quine practitioners frequently anesthetize horses by using general anesthesia for several surgical procedures and diagnostic examinations in order to enhance their accuracy and maximize personal safety. But general anesthesia in horses, especially long term anesthesia carries a risk, which is often higher than that of other domestic species (Bojan et al, 2014). Thus, in the majority of cases like castration, wound examination and treatment, equine surgeons often require a short term anesthesia.…”

“…Generally, the anesthetic protocol should be divided as premedication, induction, maintenance and recovery phases. For all these phase proper drugs or combination of drugs must be used to proper hypnosis, mayorelaxation and analgesia (Bojan et al, 2014). These combinations usually include an injectable anesthetics (ketamine, propofol), an alpha2 agonist, in combination with benzodiazepines 1 Teaching Veterinary clinical complex, College of Veterinary and animal sciences, Udgir.…”