Physiological effects of total intravenous surgical anaesthesia using detomidine-guaiphenesin-ketamine in horses

A combination of detomidine, guaiphenesin and ketamine was used to maintain anaesthesia for surgery in 38 horses and ponies. Cardiovascular and respiratory depression were minimal and surgical conditions were excellent. Recovery was smooth in most cases but prolonged and ataxic in some pregnant pony mares. Plasma cortisol concentration decreased during anaesthesia, even when major surgery was performed. This suggests that the anaesthetic technique does not itself induce a stress response and may suppress it. Anaesthesia was straightforward in all cases and the technique appears to have potential as an alternative to anaesthetic maintenance with volatile agents. The pharmacokinetics of the infusion are unknown and require investigation, particularly in pregnant animals.