The Use of Ketamine, Xylazine and Midazolam Combination for Total Intravenous Anesthesia (Tiva) in Surgical Removal of Abdominal Testis at Stallion

Equine veterinarians frequently anesthetize horses. In majority of cases performing short-term anesthesia (duration, 20 minutes). But there is substantial need for long term anesthesia. The aim of this work is to present our experience with a long term and short term total intravenous anesthesia in horses. In this paper we are presenting results of anesthesia monitoring of a horse undergoing surgical remove of an abdominal testis (complete abdominal cryptorchid). Sedation of the horsewas conducted with xylazine, 1.0 mg/kg, iv, and midazolam 0.06 mg/kg, iv. The total anesthesia was induced using a combination of ketamine 2.2mg/kg/iv, and midazolam 0.1 mg/kg/iv. After induction the horse was restrained and anesthesia was maintained with continuous intravenous drip of a combination of drugs mixed in infusion bottle with midazolam (0.002 mg/kg/min), ketamine (0.03 mg/kg/min), and xylazine (0.016 mg/kg/min). Additional ketamine (0.03 mg/kg) and midazolam 0.03 mg/kg/iv was administered if the horse moved its head or limbs during the procedure. The duration of anesthesia was 90 minutes. During this time cardiopulmonary parameters and reflexes were monitored continuously.The recovery of anesthesia was 30 minutes and horse stood on the first attempt 40 minutes. Midazolam, ketamine, and xylazine in combination produced TIVA in this horse and can be used for short term, middle term, and longer lasting surgical procedures in the field.