Use of the Anderson Sling suspension system for recovery of horses from general anesthesia

OBJECTIVE: To describe a sling recovery system (Anderson Sling) for horses and to evaluate outcome of high-risk horses recovered from general anesthesia by a sling. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Horses (n=24) recovered from general anesthesia. METHODS: Complete medical and anesthetic records (1996-2003) for horses recovered from general anesthesia using the Anderson Sling system were evaluated retrospectively. Information retrieved included anesthetic protocol, surgical procedure, recovery protocol, recovery time, and quality of the recovery. Horses were recovered from anesthesia supported by the Anderson Sling in a standing position within a traditional padded equine recovery stall. RESULTS: Twenty-four horses had 32 assisted recoveries; 31 events were successful. No complications associated with the sling or recovery system protocol occurred. One horse was intolerant of the sling's support and was reanesthetized and recovered successfully using head and tail ropes. CONCLUSION: The Anderson Sling recovery system is an effective and safe way to recover horses that are at increased risk for injury associated with adverse events during recovery from general anesthesia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Anderson Sling system should be considered for assisted recovery of equine patients from general anesthesia.