Equine Field Anaesthesia

This presentation will provide a summary of suitable techniques for equine field anaes- thesia. the first part will include an overview on the requirements for performing safe equine field anaesthesia according to the guidelines of good veterinary practice. But what do you do, when the patient has not read the book on field anaesthesia? this pres- entation will show examples of how problems can be avoided even before starting anaesthesia as well as some tricks as to what to do when things go wrong. the second part will cover a detailed discussion about the possibilities for monitoring and ventila- tory support (emergency ippV) under field conditions.

Introduction
In equine practice basic surgical procedures are commonly performed under field conditions. However, general anaesthesia in the horse carries a relatively high risk1which increases under field conditions2. thus equine field anaesthesia necessitates thor- ough perianaesthetic preparation and planning to decrease the risk of complications. advances in monitoring and supportive care might further improve patient safety.

Perianaesthetic considerations
Patients for field interventions and anaesthesia should be evaluated and selected carefully. a short but thorough physical examination will help already avoid some complications and so insure patient safety. it is also a vital part of the legal aspects of good veterinary practice.

A suitable location and setting must be chosen; well-mowed lawn is ideal, but an indoor or outdoor riding corral or large box with deep bedding and padded walls may also be used to decrease the risk of post anaesthetic myopathies, peripheral nerve damage and other trauma (wounds). the halter should be removed to reduce the risk of facial nerve paralysis. Special attention should be paid to protect pressure points i.e. hip, shoulder and eyes. padding should be placed under these areas, especially if the procedure exceeds 30 minutes. the dependent forelimb should be advanced to avoid compression of the radial nerve. [...]