Alterations in horse blood cell count and biochemical values after halothane anesthesia

Quantitative changes in hematologic and serum biochemical values associated with prolonged general anesthesia produced by known alveolar doses of halothane in oxygen were determined in six young, healthy horses under laboratory conditions. In addition, 25 young equine patients anesthetized for shorter periods under clinical conditions were similarly (except hematologic values) prospectively evaluated. In normal horses, muscle- and hepatic-derived serum biochemical values were mildly increased immediately after anesthesia. Values after anesthesia remained at greater than base-line values for up to 4 days. Evidence of minimally depressed renal function was also present immediately after halothane exposure but did not persist beyond the first day.