Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
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To assess if positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration improves gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, without hemodynamic impairment in horses during anesthesia. ⋯ Gas exchange and respiratory mechanics impairment during inhalation anesthesia can be treated using PEEP titration from 5 to 20 cmH2O, without clinically important hemodynamic effects in healthy horses.
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Anaesthetized horses commonly become hypoxaemic due to ventilation/perfusion (V·A/Q·) mismatch and increased pulmonary shunt fraction (Qs·/Qt·). Pulse-delivered inhaled nitric oxide may improve oxygenation but may increase plasma concentration of the potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (ET-1). Objectives: Study 1) compare arterial oxygen concentration (PaO2) and saturation (SaO2), calculated Qs·/Qt· and ET-1 concentration; and Study 2) assess V·A/Q· matching and measured Qs·/Qt· in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses in left lateral recumbency receiving pulse-delivered inhaled nitric oxide (PiNO group) or inhalant gas only (C group). ⋯ PiNO delivered in the initial portion of the inspiration effectively relieves hypoxaemia in anaesthetized horses by improving V·A/Q· matching and decreasing Qs·/Qt· without affecting ET-1.
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To evaluate a combination of acepromazine, dexmedetomidine and ketamine (ADK) on induction and recovery from anaesthesia, and on physiological parameters in hares undergoing non-invasive procedures. ⋯ The ADK mixture produced a smooth and rapid induction of anaesthesia, a low incidence of untoward side effects and full recovery after four hours. Supplementary oxygen might be advisable if a deeper plane of anaesthesia was required. Chemical restraint was adequate to perform non-invasive procedures.
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To determine the thermal and mechanical antinociceptive effects of two different subanesthetic constant rate infusions of racemic ketamine in cats. ⋯ Low dose rate ketamine infusions minimally affect thermal and mechanical antinociception in cats. Further studies with different nociceptive testing methods are necessary to assess whether ketamine could be a useful analgesic in cats.
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To provide a brief introduction into Critical Incident Reporting Systems (CIRS) as used in human medicine, and to report the discussion from a recent panel meeting discussion with 23 equine anaesthetists in preparation for a new CEPEF-4 (Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities) study. ⋯ Critical incident reporting systems could be used to improve safety in equine anaesthesia - in addition to other study types such as mortality studies.