What doe a general anaesthetic involve?
1. The vital planning phase, which may include giving painkillers and any other treatments in advance of surgery. A thorough check-up is carried out to detect any potential dangers. The anaesthetic regime can then be modified to suit that horse or, if necessary, the operation postponed until the horse is fit enough to be anaesthetised. In addition the horses temperament can be assessed. Frequently the neck is clipped and a catheter inserted into the jugular vein to provide a pain free route for giving the anaesthetic injections and for intravenous fluid therapy. The area for surgery may also be clipped to save time later. 2. Pre-anaesthetic: this often includes giving the horse a pre-med injection of a tranquilliser, which reduces anxiety and provides protection for the horse’s heart once anaesthetised. The horse is then groomed, the feet washed and the tail bandaged. 3. Induction or start: Ideally the anaesthetic is induced or started in a padded box, so that the horse lies down onto
