Test 3 Review Equine Anesthesia

Question 1

What is hypoventilation?

Answer 1

Common complication of anesthesia in large animals, will result in hypoxia

Hypoventilation occurs when there is inadequate ventilation to meet the body’s needs, leading to insufficient oxygenation.

Question 2

What is myopathy in horses?

Answer 2

Known as ‘tying up’, a complication from anesthesia due to muscle damage from poor blood flow or pressure on muscles while laying on surgery table

Myopathy can result in pain and decreased mobility post-anesthesia.

Question 3

What are positive inotropes?

Answer 3

Drugs like dobutamine that increase the force of heart muscle contraction, may be needed for low blood pressure under anesthesia

Positive inotropes improve cardiac output, particularly in anesthetized patients.

Question 4

What is ventilation-perfusion mismatch?

Answer 4

Lack of equality in oxygen and blood flow reaching alveoli

This condition can lead to inadequate oxygenation and is a concern during anesthesia.

Question 5

What does the term ‘eructate’ mean?

Answer 5

Method used by ruminants to remove excess gas from the rumen, ‘burp’

Eructation is vital for ruminant health to prevent bloat.

Question 6

Define regurgitus.

Answer 6

Ruminal contents that may flow into esophagus and mouth when ruminant is relaxed under anesthesia, can lead to aspiration

Aspiration can cause serious respiratory complications.

Question 7

What is standing chemical restraint?

Answer 7

Heavy sedation used to allow horse to remain standing but very relaxed for minor procedures

This technique minimizes risk and stress for the animal during minor interventions.

Question 8

What is a bolus in veterinary medicine?

Answer 8

Volume of drug administered IV rapidly, as a single dose

Bolus administration is crucial for achieving immediate therapeutic effects.

Question 9

What is neuropathy?

Answer 9

Damage to a peripheral nerve, can be a complication from positioning during anesthesia or from not removing the horse’s halter

Neuropathy can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.

Question 10

What is field anesthesia?

Answer 10

General anesthesia for short procedures that can be done without having the horse in hospital

Field anesthesia is beneficial for quick interventions in a familiar environment.

Question 11

What is appropriate positioning and padding for a horse on a surgery table?

Answer 11

Use a lot of padding, walls and floor must be padded to sedate/induce equine patient

Proper positioning prevents injury and maintains blood flow.

Question 12

Are anticholinergics ok to use with Camelids?

Answer 12

No, we do not use anticholinergics on camelids

Anticholinergics can cause adverse effects in camelids, particularly thickening of saliva.

Question 13

What does Guaifenesin do?

Answer 13

Used with ketamine (double drip) for anesthetic induction, lasts 10-20 minutes

Guaifenesin is a muscle relaxant that aids in smooth induction.

Question 14

What are nasotracheal tubes used for?

Answer 14

Used for inhalant induction in horses, especially in very sick foals

Endotracheal intubation involves longer nasotracheal tubes for secure airway management.

Question 15

What is dobutamine specifically made to treat?

Answer 15

Dobutamine is a positive inotrope

It is primarily used to manage low blood pressure during anesthesia.

Question 16

Are anticholinergics good for ruminants?

Answer 16

No, they do not reduce salivation and can facilitate aspiration; used only in emergencies

The thickening of saliva can worsen respiratory complications.

Question 17

Give an example of a triple drip for equine anesthesia.

Answer 17

Ketamine/Guaifenesin/Xylazine

This combination provides effective sedation and analgesia.

Question 18

What is a double drip for cattle anesthesia?

Answer 18

Ketamine/Guaifenesin

This combination is used for effective anesthetic induction in cattle.

Question 19

What species has a sensitive larynx like cats?

Answer 19

Swine

This sensitivity can complicate intubation and anesthesia.

Question 20

What area should we be cautious of when dealing with Camelids?

Answer 20

Nasal congestion, especially in lateral or dorsal recumbency

Camelids are obligate nasal breathers, making airway management critical.

Question 21

What is the most common problem in ruminants when dealing with anesthesia?

Answer 21

Hypoventilation

Monitoring ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory complications.

Question 22

What causes porcine stress?

Answer 22

AKA malignant hyperthermia; associated with inhalant anesthetics

It is a genetic condition that leads to severe metabolic disturbances.

Question 23

How do Camelids primarily breathe?

Answer 23

Primarily nasal breathers

This anatomical feature is important for anesthesia management.

Question 24

What kind of ruminants are Camelids considered?

Answer 24

Not a true ruminant; first stomach compartment is like the rumen

They exhibit unique digestive processes differing from true ruminants.

Question 25

What signs indicate a horse is feeling standing sedation?

Answer 25

Lowering of head and neck, reluctant to move, wide based stance, lack of interest in surrounding environment, still sensitive to loud noises and movements ## Footnote These signs help assess the effectiveness of sedation.

Question 26

What is a common anesthetic protocol for standing anesthesia in horses?

Answer 26

Xylazine and butorphanol IV (can add a local block); Dextomidine and morphine IV ## Footnote This combination provides sedation and analgesia for minor procedures.

Question 27

Why do we give induction agents as a bolus to large animals?

Answer 27

To achieve rapid effect and avoid excitement phase ## Footnote Quick induction is critical for the safety and smooth transition to lateral recumbency.

Question 28

What challenges are associated with anesthetizing pigs?

Answer 28

Difficult to restrain, peripheral veins and arteries not readily accessible, resistant to many drugs, difficult to intubate, sensitive to laryngospasm, few palpable peripheral arteries, BP cuffs do not fit well, risk of porcine stress syndrome ## Footnote These factors make anesthesia in pigs particularly challenging.

Question 29

What makes intubation easier in pigs?

Answer 29

The use of a stylette. ## Footnote A stylette is a stiffening device used to guide the endotracheal tube.

Question 30

What is a potential complication during intubation swine?

Answer 30

The possibility of laryngospasm. ## Footnote Laryngospasm is a reflex that can cause airway obstruction.