• Karin S Kalchofner, Stephanie Picek, Simone K Ringer, Michelle Jackson, Michael Hässig, and Regula Bettschart-Wolfensberger.
• Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. kkalchofner@vetclinics.uzh.ch
• Vet Anaesth Analg. 2009 Sep 1; 36 (5): 426-35.

ObjectiveTo determine, in mildly hypercapnic horses under isoflurane-medetomidine balanced anaesthesia, whether there is a difference in cardiovascular function between spontaneous ventilation (SV) and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).Study DesignProspective randomized clinical study.AnimalsSixty horses, undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia: ASA classification I or II.MethodsHorses were sedated with medetomidine and anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and diazepam. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of medetomidine. Horses were assigned to either SV or IPPV for the duration of anaesthesia. Horses in group IPPV were maintained mildly hypercapnic (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) 50-60 mmHg, 6.7-8 kPa). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained above 70 mmHg by an infusion of dobutamine administered to effect. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f(R)), arterial blood pressure and inspiratory and expiratory gases were monitored continuously. A bolus of ketamine was administered when horses showed nystagmus. Cardiac output was measured using lithium dilution. Arterial blood-gas analysis was performed regularly. Recovery time was noted and recovery quality scored.ResultsThere were no differences between groups concerning age, weight, body position during anaesthesia and anaesthetic duration. Respiratory rate was significantly higher in group IPPV. Significantly more horses in group IPPV received supplemental ketamine. There were no other significant differences between groups. All horses recovered from anaesthesia without complications.ConclusionsThere was no difference in cardiovascular function in horses undergoing elective surgery during isoflurane-medetomidine anaesthesia with SV in comparison with IPPV, provided the horses are maintained slightly hypercapnic.Clinical RelevanceIn horses with health status ASA I and II, cardiovascular function under general anaesthesia is equal with or without IPPV if the PaCO(2) is maintained at 50-60 mmHg.

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