Efficacy of propofol as a general anaesthetic in horses

The objective of the present study was to study the safety and efficacy of propofol as a general anaesthetic in horses in combination with acepromazine and xylazine. Twelve horses were divided into two groups of six horses each. Gelding operation was performed in all the horses following induction of anaesthesia. In group I, acepromazine (0.088 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly, 15 minutes prior to injection of propofol, while xylazine (1 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly 15 minutes prior to injection of propofol in group II. In both the groups propofol (6 mg/kg) was injected intravenous. Quality of induction of anaesthesia was satisfactory in both the groups. Mean time of lateral recumbency after propofol injection was 100 ± 12.65 secs in group I and 80 ± 12.65 secs in group II. Duration of propofol anaesthesia was 16.17 ± 1.14 and 22.67 ± 5.07 minutes in group I and II respectively. Mean time of complete recovery was 38.17 ± 2.87 in group I and 32.50 ± 8.00 minutes in group II, No complications were noted either during anaesthesia or during recovery. No significant difference in induction time, duration of anaesthesia and complete recovery was seen among the two groups. It is concluded that propofol could be safely used as a general anaesthetic for short surgical procedures such as castration in horses.