Glyceryl guaiacol ether for sedation of horses undergoing orchiectomy when standing

Abstract

A study was designed to compare two sedation protocols to be used in horses undergoing orchiectomy when standing. In both protocols, the induction to the sedative state was performed with bolus detomidine at a dose of 10 µg/kg, intravenously (IV). In the first protocol (eight horses), the sedative state was maintained with 1% glyceryl guaiacol ether (GGE) in continuous infusion, at a dose of 1ml/kg/hour IV. In the second protocol (eight horses) this sedative effect was maintained with detomidine in continuous infusion at the same dose and induction route. Orchiectomy was performed on all animals. The two protocols allowed the surgeries to be performed when standing. However, horses kept under sedation by the GGE showed greater relaxation and a more intense degree of sedation. It should be noted that the use of GGE to maintain the sedative state in horses is unprecedented in the literature. The drug is used in anesthetic protocols in the species, but only in pre-anesthetic medication in general anesthesia. It was concluded that the two sedation protocols allowed the performance of orchiectomy with the horses when standing. However, the protocol in which 1% GGE was used showed more profound sedation, without adverse effects.