Peri-operative monitoring of general anaesthesia using xylazine+ butorphanol,ketamine + diazepam and isoflurane in ASA 2 equines

The objective of the study was to evaluate the peri-operative monitoring of general anaesthesia using xylazine+butorphanol, ketamine+diazepam and Isoflurane in ASA 2 Equines. A total of 27 adult equines undergoing surgical treatment and for which general anaesthesia was necessary were included. The clinical observations included monitoring reflexes like palpebral and corneal, lacrimation, eyeball position, Pupil size, and physiological parameters such as heart rate and respiration rate, body condition score, weight, age, breed, gender, Intermittent positive pressure ventilation, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, Blood pressure, Isoflurane conc., and Oxygen flow rate. The overall sedation score was moderate in 59.26% (16/27), marked in 29.63% (8/27) and mild in 11.11% (n=3) equines. The recovery quality was mostly good but still 4 equines required xylazine @0.25mg/ Kg, IV during recovery. One mare showed rough recovery. No mortality was recorded in any equine but morbidity (3.7%) in the form of rough recovery was recorded. The study concludes that systematic monitoring of general anaesthesia using physical parameters is required for all equines for a better outcome. Proper weighing of the equine is recommended for correct dose calculation and the conventional dose of xylazine + butorphanol and ketamine + diazepam used, may not be sufficient in ASA 2 equine of Marwari breed. One fourth dose of xylazine, intravenously may be recommended during the recovery period of ASA 2 equine, depending upon the pre-anaesthesia temperament to avoid rough recovery.