Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
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To determine the absorption characteristics of fentanyl and buprenorphine administered transdermally in swine. ⋯ A relevant serum concentration obtained with fentanyl TP dosed at 75 μg hour-1 or 100 μg hour-1suggests that TPs could represent an analgesia option for laboratory pigs weighing 25-30 kg. As concentrations of buprenorphine were variable, this study does not support the use of buprenorphine TPs in pigs. Consecutive fentanyl or buprenorphine TPs did not provide reliable serum concentrations. Further pharmacokinetic studies and analgesiometric tests in swine are needed to confirm the clinical adequacy of TPs.
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To describe ultrasound-visualized anatomy and the spread characteristics of a dye injected in the thoracic paravertebral (TPV) space under ultrasound guidance. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided TPV block is a potentially reliable technique. The LV appeared sufficient to dye a single spinal nerve and multiple sympathetic trunk vertebral levels. Multiple TPV injections may be needed to provide adequate thoracic analgesia in dogs undergoing thoracic surgery.
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Review
Review of hypoxaemia in anaesthetized horses: predisposing factors, consequences and management.
To discuss how hypoxaemia might be harmful and why horses are particularly predisposed to developing it, to review the strategies that are used to manage hypoxaemia in anaesthetized horses, and to describe how successful these strategies are and the adverse effects associated with them. ⋯ Although there is no evidence that hypoxaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in anaesthetized horses, most anaesthetists would agree that it is important to recognise and prevent or treat it. Favourable anatomical and physiological adaptations of a horse for exercise adversely affect gas exchange once the animal is recumbent. Hypoxaemia is recognised more frequently in horses than in other domestic species during general anaesthesia, although its incidence in healthy horses remains unreported. Management of hypoxaemia in anaesthetized horses is challenging and often unsuccessful. Positive pressure ventilation strategies to address alveolar atelectasis in humans have been modified for implementation in recumbent anaesthetized horses, but are often accompanied by unpredictable and unacceptable cardiopulmonary adverse effects, and some strategies are difficult or impossible to achieve in adult horses. Furthermore, anticipated beneficial effects of these techniques are inconsistent. Increasing the inspired fraction of oxygen during anaesthesia is often unsuccessful since much of the impairment in gas exchange is a direct result of shunt. Alternative approaches to the problem involve manipulation of pulmonary blood away from atelectatic regions of the lung to better ventilated areas. However, further work is essential, with particular focus on survival associated with general anaesthesia in horses, before any technique can be accepted into widespread clinical use.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of ultrasound- and electrostimulation-guided nerve blocks of brachial plexus in dogs.
To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound- and electrostimulation-guided nerve blocks of the brachial plexus and to determine whether ultrasound guidance is feasible in conscious dogs. ⋯ The UNB brachial plexus block had a shorter onset time and longer duration than ENB. UNB can be performed in conscious dogs or those under mild sedation.