Anesthesia of the Geriatric Equine

Understanding geriatric horse anesthesia is a critical aspect of maintaining our older equids’ longevity and quality of life.

anesthesia in senior horse — NEWMARKET, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: A Warmblood Horse is checked after mouth surgery at Newmarket Equine Hospital on March 2, 2011 in Newmarket, England. The Equine Centre at Newmarket is the largest and the most state of the art equine hospitals in Europe. It is also the world's leading centre for arthroscopy and fracture repair on horses. The clinic focuses on personalised high quality veterinary care and emergency care not only for Newmarket-based horses but for horses from all over the world. The facility offers a specialised 24-hour emergency service by a highly skilled team of senior equine veterinary specialists, nurses, interns and yard staff, offering a range of services including MRI scans, x-ray and arthroscopic surgery. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Anesthesia in horses is always something horse owners should take seriously. A comprehensive study published in 2012 delivers indispensable insights on the topic of anesthesia in older horses.¹ Equine owners will be enlightened by the study’s findings.

About the Study

The study, published in Veterinary Medicine Research and Reports, looked at equine anesthesia specifically in horses 15 years of age or older that had physical issues. This demographic presents a unique set of challenges, with age-related physiological changes potentially impacting the efficiency of anesthetic procedures.

The study’s authors meticulously dissected the distinct dynamics of age versus disease in the context of equine anesthesia, underlining the importance of a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation.

Key Points

Key revelations from this study include the recognition of geriatric-specific alterations in organ function and metabolic processes. These directly influences the anesthetic parameters. For instance, reduced cardiac and renal function can interfere with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion rates. This means veterinarians have a potential need to adjust drug dosages.

The study looks at nervous system and cardiovascular system issues and how they could affect anesthesia and the horse’s health. It also looks at the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems and metabolic issues in senior horses.

Furthermore, subtle changes in respiratory patterns, often seen in older horses, could affect their ability to maintain suitable oxygen levels while under anesthesia. As such, monitoring and maintaining appropriate ventilatory support during anesthesia is vital in mitigating risks.

Horse Anesthesia Mortality Risk

A different study of more than 41,000 horses that was cited in the report found those aged 14 years or older were at greater risk of mortality around the time of surgery.² The two main reasons for increased mortality in older horses were an increased risk of long-bone fracture during recovery and an increased likelihood of coexisting diseases affecting the outcome.

Final Words

The report on geriatric horses and anesthesia promotes the understanding that age is not a disease but, rather, a risk factor that needs to be vigorously accounted for during anesthesia management. It emphasizes the need to differentiate between “normal aging” and “pathological aging.” The latter could indeed be the determining factor in the success of anesthetic procedures in aged horses.

The research unequivocally demonstrated the need to engage in a comprehensive, thorough approach when considering anesthesia in geriatric horses. With this in-depth understanding, owners, breeders, and veterinarians can make more informed decisions that ensure the safety and well-being of these beloved animals during necessary procedures.

This study serves as an indispensable resource for equine veterinarians and horse owners. It offers invaluable insights that can shape how professionals approach and administer anesthesia to our older horses. It’s a testament to the progress we’re making in equine health and welfare, paving the way for longer, happier lives for our cherished equine companions.

References

Anesthesia of the geriatric equine. Reza Seddighi and Thomas J. Doherty.Veterinary Medicine Research and Reports.
The confidential enquiry into perioperative equine fatalities (CEPEF): mortality results of Phases 1 and 2. G.M. Johnston, J.K. Eastment, J.L.N. Wood, P.M. Taylor. Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Mars Horsecare, directly or through affiliated companies is the owner of a portfolio of equine-focused products and services under the brands BUCKEYE™, SPILLERS™, WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, ANTECH™, SOUND® and MARS EQUESTRIAN™, and is not responsible nor does it endorse any content unless so acknowledged within the individual article or material as the source. We recommend you seek advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

My Senior Horse’s mission is to educate and assist owners and managers of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules that are 15 years of age or older to improve the health and welfare of senior equids.