What is ketamine used for in horses?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that is commonly used in horses for surgical procedures, including castrations, dental work, and minor surgeries. It is also used as an anaesthetic for standing procedures, such as joint injections or wound repair.

Ketamine works by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, leading to sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. It is administered either intravenously or intramuscularly, and the effects typically last for 10-20 minutes.

One of the advantages of ketamine in horses is that it is considered to have a wide safety margin, meaning that it is relatively safe to use in horses, even at higher doses. However, it is important to note that ketamine can cause respiratory depression and muscle rigidity in some horses, particularly if it is used in combination with other drugs.

Overall, ketamine is a valuable tool in equine anaesthesia and is often used in combination with other anaesthetic agents to provide effective pain relief and sedation during surgical procedures in horses.