Neuropathy
Spinal Cord Malacia
Self-Inflicted Injury
Self-Inflicted Injury
Cardiac Arrest
100
Like neuropathy, this condition is normally seen as soon as the horse tries to stand after surgery.
What is myopathy? Neuropathy is less common than myopathy after surgery. However, they may occur under similar conditions and some cases of post-op complications may include an element of both.
100
This is the inhalant anesthetic most commonly associated with spinal cord malacia.
What is halothane? Hypotension from halothane is believed to contribute to this condition. It is also thought to be associated with poor spinal cord perfusion and restricted venous drainage in a large animal in dorsal recumbency.
100
According to the paper, this characteristic of halothane may be a reason it is better at preventing self-inflicted injury than isoflurane.
What is slower recovery time? The newest agents (sevoflurane and desflurane) may prove to be even better for recovery because the transition from unconsciousness to full control is very short.
100
After removal of the ET tube, one of these may be placed if any difficulty breathing is appreciated.
What is a nasal tube? Nasal obstruction is not uncommon due to nasal mucosal congestion. The tube can be removed after the horse stands. Alternatively, the ET tube can be left in place and secured with tape.
100
These are three reasons cardiac arrest might occur in an apparently healthy anesthetized horse.
What are changes in autonomic control, myocardial depression, and hypotension? Some cases appear to be idiopathic, and arrest can occur with no prior warning.
200
Paralysis of this nerve is normally seen when an object such as a buckle has pressed on the underside of a horse's head during anesthesia.
What is the facial nerve? To prevent this, halters and other headwear should be removed prior to surgery. Padded halters should be used during recovery.
200
This is the prognosis for a diagnosis of spinal cord malacia.
What is grave (hopeless)? Euthanasia is the only option in these cases.
200
Control of this common post-op complication can be accomplished with opioids, local blocks, or NSAIDs and may reduce excitement during recovery.
What is pain? A horse that is in pain is far more likely to thrash around and try to stand too soon. Immobilization of the injured site is also a good way to control pain.
200
This class of sedatives is the most commonly used to prolong post-op recovery time.
What are the alpha 2 agonists? Xylazine is the shortest acting and is appropriate in most cases.
200
In non-toxic horses cardiac arrest usually occurs in this form making defibrillators rarely necessary.
What is asystole? Ventricular fibrillation and electromechanical dissociation are rare in the horse.
300
In a horse with a pure neuropathy, this clinical sign will usually be absent.
What is pain?
300
It is thought the spinal cord malacia pathogenesis may be contributed to by this condition caused by a parasite.
What is verminous arteritis? This can contribute to a poor arterial supply.
300
Horses recovering from anesthesia should be placed in this type of environment.
What is a quiet environment? Any disturbance is likely to upset a horse and encourage it to stand too soon. Low lighting also helps to reduce stimulation.
300
Return of normal tone to this organ may indicate return of strength to limb muscles.
What is the tongue?
300
According to the paper, it is virtually impossible to detect cardiac arrest in the horse quickly enough to treat without this.
What is electronic monitoring? Unpalpable pulses, gray mucous membranes, and slow capillary refill time are all characteristics that may be seen in horses under the influence of gas anesthesia but not in cardiac arrest.
400
Post-op neuropathy may be caused by hypoxia from direct pressure on the nerve or the nerve's arterial supply. It may also be caused by this systemic operative complication.
What is hypotension? Hypotension can lead to obstruction of venous drainage or ischemia causing tissue damage.
400
According to the paper, spinal cord malacia is most often associated with this breed of draft horse.
What is a Shire? It has been suggested these animals have abnormal or deficient blood supply to the thoracolumbar spine but there is no evidence for this.
400
Recovery on a good surface is essential and use of these may encourage the horse to lie sternal until the necessary strength and balance have returned.
What are mats? If mats are not used, it is essential that the horse is recovered on a surface that provides a degree of comfort and a good grip.
400
Depression of gut motility due to anesthesia can lead to this post-op complication.
What is colic? The horse should be prevented from consuming sizable amounts of roughage before the anesthetics wear off.
400
Outward signs of cardiac arrest can often mimic this undesirable surgical state.
What is "waking up" or "becoming too light"? The horse may show nystagmus, blink, breathe, and jerk its limbs. Given these signs, the first response is often to increase the gas.
500
Positioning to prevent myopathy of this muscle group may also reduce pressure on the lower radial nerve.
What is the triceps brachia? In lateral recumbency, placing the down leg forward will reduce pressure on this muscle group.
500
After anesthesia, horses affected by spinal cord malacia are often thought to assume this appropriately named position.
What is dog sitting? Flaccid paralysis occurs in the hindlimbs. The horse usually makes a few attempts to stand before adopting this position. The horse is not usually distressed and may eat and drink normally.
500
Due to the diuretic effect of some sedatives, this action may be worthwhile especially after a long procedure.
What is emptying the bladder through catheterization? Alpha 2 agonists and large volumes of fluids often lead to an engorged bladder by the end of surgery.
500
IV use of this drug can induce the passage of liquid feces and contribute to an overall imbalance of the control of gut motility.
What is penicillin? Sodium and potassium salts of this drug are the formulations implicated in these cases.
500
Given the fact that instruments may fail, this should always be checked before beginning active resuscitation.
What is a palpable pulse? ECG can easily display cardiac arrest (except in the case of electromechanical resuscitation). Arterial blood pressure trace will be low and flat and ET CO2 will fall sharply.
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