Sedation, anaesthesia and analgesia for ditches and the M6

Good veterinary input is an integral part of safe animal rescue. In a crisis it is easy to forget the principles. The aim here is to review what the vet should do to ensure scene safety and hopefully a successful outcome for a horse rescue. Protocols for sedation and general anaesthesia will be included, together with suggestions for the best options to select in different circumstances, using appropriate case examples. Planning and preparation is important to ensure that the appropriate equipment and medication is accessible. Consideration will be given to what kit and medication should be routinely available, ranging from personal protective equipment, medication including anaesthetic drugs and specialised equipment such as jab sticks and drag mats. Realistically few vets will carry full rescue kit with them on a ‘just-in-case’ basis for these unpredictable emergencies ...