Anaesthesia for minor surgical procedures in the horse

EQUINE anaesthesia is a notoriously risky procedure, with around 1 per cent of horses reported to die within seven days of anaesthesia. This high mortality rate reflects psychological and physiological differences between horses and other large animals. The relative risk to the patient increases with prolonged surgery or when operations are carried out outside normal practice hours; the risk may also increase in the case of surgery performed to correct abdominal catastrophes such as colic, or caesarean sections. Therefore, in an attempt to minimise the risks to the animal, equine anaesthesia usually takes place in purpose-built operating theatres, where the facilities for safe induction and recovery are available, along with a barrage of hi-tech monitoring equipment. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out minor surgical procedures in the field without recourse to these specialist facilities.