USE OF GUAIFENESIN-KETAMINE-XYLAZINE INFUSION FOR MAINTENANCE OF ANESTHESIA IN CAPTIVE PREZEWALSKI HORSES (EQUUS...

This case series documents the use of triple drip, a combination of IV guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine (GKX) to extend the length of anesthesia in zoo-owned Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii). In three separate procedures involving two different animals, GKX was used to prolong and deepen the plane of anesthesia for 90 to 120 min beyond an initial induction dart containing ketamine, butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine. The depth of anesthesia was sufficient to permit surgical excision of SC abscesses and other procedures. Throughout the anesthetic events, the horses breathed spontaneously and maintained normal cardiorespiratory parameters, demonstrated no response to noxious stimuli, and had excellent muscle relaxation. Recoveries were smooth in all cases. Development of anesthetic protocols without ultrapotent opioids has become a priority in zoological medicine due to decreased drug availability as well as safety considerations. This is the first report of an entirely ultrapotent narcotic-free anesthetic protocol for intermediate to extended length procedures in Przewalski horses.