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Postanaesthetic cerebral necrosis in five horses
J S McKay1, T W Forest, M Senior
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool.
The Veterinary Record
|February 12, 2002
Summary
Anesthesia complications in horses can lead to severe neurological signs and brain damage. Post-operative cerebrocortical necrosis was observed in horses following prolonged anesthesia and surgery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Equine Anesthesia
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Prolonged anesthesia and surgery in horses are associated with potential complications.
- Neurological deficits post-anesthesia can significantly impact equine welfare and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of acute neurological signs following prolonged anesthesia in horses.
- To identify potential contributing factors and pathological findings associated with these neurological events.
Main Methods:
- Case series analysis of five adult horses experiencing neurological signs post-anesthesia.
- Clinical assessment of neurological deficits, including blindness and behavioral changes.
- Post-mortem examination of brains, including gross pathology and histopathology.
Main Results:
- Five horses developed acute neurological signs, including blindness and seizures, after anesthesia lasting 1.8 to 7 hours.
- Pathological findings revealed extensive cerebrocortical necrosis.
- Hypercapnia and hypoxemia during anesthesia were identified as potential contributing factors in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged anesthesia in horses can lead to severe neurological complications and cerebrocortical necrosis.
- Hypercapnia and hypoxemia are potential risk factors that require careful monitoring during equine anesthesia.
- These findings highlight the importance of vigilant anesthetic management and prompt recognition of neurological signs in horses.
