Features of foal’s general anesthesia

Various pathologies in foals, such as abdominal, urogenital, traumatic or orthopedic, as well as endoscopic examination and diagnostic imaging, may require sedation and general anesthesia. However, research shows that foals’ general anesthesia, especially during the first four weeks of their life, is associated with a high mortality rate. This is explained by the fact that they have a number of physiological characteristics that predispose them to the development of side effects from the use of general anesthetics. This requires increased attention to the organization of anesthesia and monitoring the vital condition of neonatal foals during it.

Actuality of the article is based on the importance of disclosing the topic of general anesthesia in foals in the Russian literature - in-depth study of this topic will help reduce complications and unfavorable outcomes.

This work presents a clinical case of a diagnosed fracture of the condyle of the third metacarpal bone in a Soviet heavy draft foal. Using this case as an example, the article describes the features of the use of inhalation and non-inhalation anesthetics in neonatal foals. In present paper also described physiological features of foals, and literary search for the recommended drugs and their dosages was made.

The uniqueness of the described case lies in the fact that during first six weeks after birth, the foal was operated 7 times with the use of combination of inhalation and intravenous anesthetics. The first operation included osteosynthesis to fix the fracture with screws, and the next six procedures included only the change of casts. After 42 days, fracture healing was radiologically confirmed. After a period of rehabilitation, the foal returned to active movement and full life; the development of shortterm and long-term side effects was not identified.

The success of the described work allows to assert that the used in the anesthesia protocols drugs and their dosages are sufficiently effective. The experience of the present work can be recommended for use during foals’ general anesthesia under 1 month of age.

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