Tilt table recovery of horses after orthopedic surgery: fifty-four cases (1994-2005).
OBJECTIVE
To describe an assisted anesthetic recovery technique using a tilt table for horses after high-risk orthopedic-related procedures and to evaluate outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Anesthetic recoveries (n=54) for 36 horses.


METHODS
Medical records (April 1994-October 2005) for horses that had high-risk orthopedic surgery and recovery from general anesthesia on a tilt table were reviewed. Information about the surgical procedure, anesthetic and recovery period was analyzed.


RESULTS
Of 54 anesthetic recoveries, 1 horse (1.9%) had complete failure of internal fixation during recovery and was euthanatized. Six (11% recoveries) horses failed to adapt to the tilt table system, which necessitated transfer to a conventional recovery room. Complications without important consequences for clinical outcome (skin abrasions, myositis, cast breakage, partial implant failure) occurred during 8 (15%) recoveries.


CONCLUSIONS
A tilt table recovery system was associated with minimal incidence of serious complications. Potential disadvantages of the system are the number of personnel required, longer recovery time, and the need for a specialized table.


CONCLUSIONS
A tilt table is a useful system for recovering horses believed to be at increased risk of injury during anesthetic recovery after high-risk orthopedic-related procedures.
Elmas
Colette R
CR
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada. colette.elmas@oregonstate.edu
Cruz
Antonio M
AM
Kerr
Carolyn L
CL
D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000662:veterinary; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome