title: Total intravenous anaesthesia in the horse with propofol.
abstract: The use of propofol, solubilised in a non-ionic emulsifying agent, for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in experimental ponies was assessed. Pilot studies revealed that premedication with xylazine (0.5 mg/kg bodyweight [bwt]) intravenously (iv) followed by propofol (2.0 mg/kg bwt) iv provided a satisfactory smooth induction. Two infusion rates (0.15 mg/kg bwt/min and 0.2 mg/kg bwt/min) were compared for maintenance of anaesthesia. An infusion rate of 0.2 mg/kg/min produced adequate anaesthesia in these ponies. Cardiovascular changes included a decrease in arterial pressure and cardiac output during maintenance. Respiratory depression was manifested by a decrease in rate and an increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension. Recovery after 1 h anaesthesia was rapid and smooth. In conclusion, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol in premedicated ponies proved a satisfactory technique.
mesh_terms: D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006736:Horses; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015742:Propofol
chemical_list: D010636:Phenols; D015742:Propofol