Читать книгу Complications in Equine Surgery - Группа авторов - Страница 208

When low doses of alpha‐2 adrenergic agonists are used in the recovery period, they prolong the time of recumbency and improve the quality of recovery [14]. However, if the dose is too high, they may cause excessive ataxia. Romifidine causes a lower degree of ataxia compared with equipotent doses of xylazine and detomidine [2].

An alternative route of administration such as intramuscular may be considered as drugs are absorbed slowly and side effects, like ataxia, might be less dramatic.

An adequate dose for the weight of the patient should be used. If the horse has been on an intravenous infusion of any alpha‐2 adrenergic agonist intraoperatively, the administration of any more sedation for the recovery period should be gauged carefully, as the residual amount of drug after stopping the infusion may cause sufficient sedation during this phase.

All alpha‐2 adrenergic agonists increase diuresis, which is of similar degree and duration among agents [2]; therefore, emptying the bladder at the end of the surgical procedure before the recovery phase may improve comfort and prevent early attempts to stand up.