Adjunctive Methods in Equine Gastrointestinal Surgery

Anesthesia of the critically ill equine patient

“…Because of these unique abilities, there is an interest in the use of PBH in nonanemic horses as a low-volume resuscitation fluid; however, experimental data to support its use for the treatment of horses with hypovolemia or endotoxemia are lacking at this time [18]. Although reports are relatively limited for horses, adverse side effects of colloid administration seem to be uncommon but may include immune-mediated reactions and changes in hemostatic variables, with the most concerning being development of pulmonary hypertension in one report [17,19].…”

“…Benefits include rapid plasma volume expansion by drawing fluid from the interstitial and cellular spaces, increased cardiac contractility, improved tissue perfusion through peripheral vasodilation, and a redistribution of cardiac output to visceral organs [19]. The beneficial effects of HTS persist for 30 to 60 minutes, which provides a more stable cardiovascular system during anesthetic induction and maintenance until isotonic fluid replacement can be completed.…”

“…The beneficial effects of HTS persist for 30 to 60 minutes, which provides a more stable cardiovascular system during anesthetic induction and maintenance until isotonic fluid replacement can be completed. Bolus administration of hypertonic saline is contraindicated with concurrent renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypo-and hypernatremia, hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, a history of seizures, and conditions that may promote a hyperosmotic state [19]. Electrolyte concentrations should be evaluated before and after HTS administration, because iatrogenic hypernatremia and hypokalemia may develop.…”

Strangulating obstructions of the large colon in mature horses

“…Hypovolaemic and endotoxaemic shock develop as a result of reduced venous return due to colon distension, absorption of endotoxin following deterioration in the bowel wall and sequestration of large volumes of fluid in the lumen and wall of the intestine (Belknap and Baxter 1992). As much as 40 1 fluid can be sequestered in a strangulated large colon (Harrison 1988 Snyder 1997). The osmotic effect of hypertonic solutions draws fluid from the extravascular spaces, temporarily improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion.…”

Gastric reflux: what does it mean?

“…Metaclopramide works primarily by dopaminergic receptor antagonist activity with the additional effect of %-adrenoreceptor antagonism, and an increase in release of acetycholine (ACh) from the myenteric plexus (Gerring and Hunt 1986). Metaclopramide is also thought to be effective in coordinating gastric, pyloric, and duodenal motility (Van Hoogmoed and Snyder 1997).…”