Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
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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.
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To determine if the use of needle enhancing software facilitate injection technique in ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. ⋯ This study identified greater success rate in nerve staining when the needle enhancing software was used. The results suggest that the use of this technique could improve injection technique amongst inexperienced anaesthetists performing ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in dogs.