Incidence and risk factors for complications associated with equine general anaesthesia for elective magnetic resonance imaging.
Authors: Morgan Jessica M, Aceto Helen, Manzi Timothy, Davidson Elizabeth J
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Equine MRI Under General Anaesthesia: Complication Rates and Preventive Strategies Post-anaesthetic complications following elective MRI remain a practical concern in equine practice, yet their frequency and underlying risk factors have received limited investigation. This retrospective analysis of 293 MRI procedures at a referral centre revealed that complications occurred in approximately one in six cases (17.4%), predominantly comprising pyrexia (68.6% of complications), followed by pneumonia, colic, and cranial nerve paralysis. The protective effect of peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials was striking: horses receiving these agents demonstrated a 71% reduction in overall complication risk and a 77% reduction in pyrexia specifically, suggesting infection or inflammatory sequelae play a substantial role in post-MRI morbidity. Whilst the retrospective, single-centre design limits generalisation, the data support consideration of prophylactic antimicrobial administration—particularly for patients with additional risk factors—when planning MRI under general anaesthesia, and warrant heightened post-operative vigilance for respiratory tract disease and gastrointestinal upset.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Expect complications in approximately 1 in 6 horses undergoing MRI under general anaesthesia; pyrexia, pneumonia and colic are the most likely complications to monitor for in recovery
- •Consider peri-anaesthetic antimicrobial administration as a risk-mitigation strategy, particularly for horses at higher risk of anaesthetic complications
- •Be alert for delayed complications including pyrexia and pneumonia in the post-operative period, as these represented the majority of complications in this cohort
Key Findings
- •Post-anaesthetic complications occurred in 17.4% (51/293) of horses undergoing MRI under general anaesthesia, with pyrexia being most common (n=35)
- •Peri-anaesthetic antimicrobial administration reduced odds of post-anaesthetic complications by 71% (OR 0.29, p=0.002)
- •Peri-anaesthetic antimicrobials reduced odds of pyrexia by 77% (OR 0.23, p=0.005), while increased age was protective against pyrexia