Recovery of horses from general anaesthesia: A systematic review (2000-2020) of the influence of anaesthetic protocol on recovery quality.
Authors: Loomes Kate, Louro Luís Filipe
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Recovery from Equine General Anaesthesia: Anaesthetic Protocol Matters Recovery from general anaesthesia represents a critical window of vulnerability for horses, with significant risk of injury and mortality; Loomes and Louro's systematic review synthesised two decades of evidence (2000–2020) examining how different anaesthetic drugs and protocols influence this recovery phase. By synthesising published research on pharmacological interventions designed to optimise recovery quality, the authors investigated whether specific agent choices—such as variations in induction drugs, maintenance techniques, and adjunctive medications—demonstrably affect post-operative outcomes including mortality, morbidity, and injury rates. Despite extensive development of anaesthetic protocols aimed at smoother recoveries, considerable inconsistency exists in the literature regarding which combinations actually deliver clinically superior outcomes. For equine professionals involved in peri-operative care, this systematic review clarifies evidence-based protocol selection, helping distinguish between interventions with robust supporting data and those where benefits remain contested. Understanding these nuances enables more informed decision-making when planning anaesthesia, potentially reducing preventable complications during this particularly hazardous phase of surgical care.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Anaesthetic protocol selection significantly impacts post-operative recovery quality in horses; practitioners should review current evidence when planning anaesthesia
- •Recovery phase represents considerable risk period in equine anaesthesia; evidence-based protocol selection may reduce mortality and morbidity
- •No single consensus exists on optimal anaesthetic protocol; individualized approach based on patient factors and clinical circumstances remains important
Key Findings
- •Systematic review of literature (2000-2020) on influence of anaesthetic protocol on equine recovery quality
- •Various pharmacological interventions have been developed to improve recovery quality and reduce mortality/morbidity
- •Controversy remains regarding which anaesthetic protocol choice optimally influences recovery quality and associated outcomes