Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
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To provide ultrasonographic mapping of the axillary region of dogs to facilitate identification of the major branches of the brachial plexus in relation to the axillary artery. ⋯ Ultrasonography identified the location of the brachial plexus nerves near the studied sectors, providing useful guidance for performing a brachial plexus nerve block.
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To describe alfentanil-propofol admixture for induction of anaesthesia for canine radiotherapy and compare it to alfentanil-atropine followed by propofol induction in terms of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), recovery duration and quality. ⋯ Both protocols were acceptable for dogs undergoing radiotherapy, with minimal differences in anaesthetic quality, recovery duration and quality. Although MAP did not differ overall, the incidence of hypotension was higher in ATRO.
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To evaluate the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) alone and PEEP preceded by lung recruitment manoeuvre (LRM) on lung volumes and respiratory system mechanics in healthy horses undergoing general anaesthesia. ⋯ Unlike PEEP alone, PEEP preceded by LRM increased RLV and Cst and reduced driving pressure in horses under anaesthesia.
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To establish reference intervals for arterial blood-gas (ABG), acid-base and electrolyte values from a healthy equine population. ⋯ These data were derived from the largest group of horses reported in a single study and may aid in interpretation of ABG, acid-base and electrolyte measurements in clinical practice.
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Thermal radiofrequency (TRF) of the saphenous nerve (a sensory nerve) combined with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the sciatic nerve (a sensory and motor nerve) might relieve intractable stifle osteoarthritis (OA) pain in dogs. The objective was to determine if saphenous nerve TRF induces Wallerian degeneration and if sciatic nerve PRF induces degeneration or dysfunction. ⋯ The degeneration in TRF-treated saphenous nerves appears sufficient to impair transmission. Sciatic nerve PRF did not cause degeneration with attendant motor deficits, consistent with a proposed neuromodulatory mechanism. A clinical trial is needed to confirm the combined techniques produce analgesia without motor deficits in dogs with stifle OA.