General anesthesia does not induce ultrasonographic changes in the pleura of healthy adult horses anesthetized for elective magnetic resonance imaging

Kate L. Hepworth-WarrenDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

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Nathan C. NelsonDepartment of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

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Katarzyna A. DembekDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

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Kimberly A. S. YoungDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.12.0550
Volume/Issue:
Volume 261: Issue 4
Online Publication Date:
07 Feb 2023
Restricted access
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To compare thoracic ultrasonographic findings in healthy horses before and after general anesthesia for elective MRI utilizing a recently developed ultrasonographic scoring system to aid clinicians in the early identification of pneumonia following anesthesia.

ANIMALS

13 adult horses > 3 years of age.

PROCEDURES

Prior to anesthesia, horses underwent a thorough physical examination, CBC, thoracic radiography, and thoracic ultrasonography. Horses were then anesthetized for elective MRI, and thoracic ultrasonography was repeated within 3 hours after recovery. Thoracic ultrasonographic findings were scored utilizing a recently developed scoring system, and scores were compared before and after anesthesia.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference identified in total thoracic ultrasonography score before and after anesthesia, and there was no correlation between thoracic ultrasonography score following anesthesia and the body weight of the horse, the time recumbent, and the dependent side.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In healthy horses undergoing anesthesia for elective imaging, there was no significant change in thoracic ultrasonographic findings 3 hours after recovery from anesthesia. These data can aid clinicians in determining the clinical significance of ultrasonographic changes in the lung in the immediate postanesthetic period.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To compare thoracic ultrasonographic findings in healthy horses before and after general anesthesia for elective MRI utilizing a recently developed ultrasonographic scoring system to aid clinicians in the early identification of pneumonia following anesthesia.

ANIMALS

13 adult horses > 3 years of age.

PROCEDURES

Prior to anesthesia, horses underwent a thorough physical examination, CBC, thoracic radiography, and thoracic ultrasonography. Horses were then anesthetized for elective MRI, and thoracic ultrasonography was repeated within 3 hours after recovery. Thoracic ultrasonographic findings were scored utilizing a recently developed scoring system, and scores were compared before and after anesthesia.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference identified in total thoracic ultrasonography score before and after anesthesia, and there was no correlation between thoracic ultrasonography score following anesthesia and the body weight of the horse, the time recumbent, and the dependent side.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In healthy horses undergoing anesthesia for elective imaging, there was no significant change in thoracic ultrasonographic findings 3 hours after recovery from anesthesia. These data can aid clinicians in determining the clinical significance of ultrasonographic changes in the lung in the immediate postanesthetic period.

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Dr. Hepworth-Warren (klhepwor@ncsu.edu)
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
01 Apr 2023
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