Clinical Evaluation of Xylazine, Ketamine and Guaifenesin as Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Equines

The present study was conducted to evaluate a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) protocol in six thoroughbred horses undergoing different surgical and diagnostic procedures using Xylazine, Ketamine and Guaifenesin combination. Sedation of animals was done with intravenous injection of Xylazine hydrochloride 1.1 mg/kg followed by induction of anesthesia with Ketamine @ 2.0 mg/kg and diazepam @ 0.1 mg/kg. The anesthesia was maintained with Triple drip prepared by adding 25 gm of the Guaifenesin powder in 500 ml of 5% Dextrose solution, 500mg of Xylazine and 1 gm of Ketamine. Initially the Triple drip was given @ dose rate of 1 ml/kg/hr and subsequently adjusted depending upon the anesthetic depth of the horses. The mean arterial blood pressure was decreased after induction in comparison to initial pressure, which was subsequently increased after 40 minutes. Xylazine, Ketamine and diazepam combination produced smooth induction, excellent muscle relaxation and stable cardiopulmonary functions in all the horses under the study. The mean time of complete recovery was 85.0± 4.38 minutes indicating the safe use of Xylazine, Ketamine and Guaifenesin combination as short term anesthesia under field conditions.