Effect of an adjustable ceiling to prevent premature rising attempts after general anesthesia in healthy ponies and horses: A pilot study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess and compare the recovery of ponies and horses following general anesthesia in two different settings: a recovery box with an inflexible, adjustable ceiling, and free recovery without restraints. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of adjustable ceilings on the prevention of premature attempts to rise during recovery. The secondary aim was to compare the physiological stress indicators during recovery.Study designProspective, randomized, experimental study.AnimalsSix healthy ponies and 10 healthy horses.MethodsThis study used a crossover design with two settings: an inflexible, adjustable ceiling and free recovery. Recovery was scored using a quality scoring system. Heart rate, and lactate, glucose, and cortisol levels were analyzed and compared between the animals and recoveries.ResultsAll animals had a higher recovery quality (p = .026) with an adjustable ceiling than with free recovery. No differences were observed in glucose level or heart rate between the two settings. However, horses had higher blood lactate, 2.9 +/- 1.2 mmol/L versus 1.6 +/- 0.7 mmol/L (p = .025), and serum cortisol, 184 +/- 81 nmol/L versus 93 +/- 20 nmol/L (p = .031) in restricted recovery than free recovery, respectively.ConclusionAn inflexible, adjustable ceiling improved the quality of recovery and prevented premature rising attempts; however, it was associated with increased lactate and cortisol levels, indicating an increased level of stress.Clinical significanceLimiting premature rising attempts with an adjustable ceiling during recovery phase has the potential to improve the quality of recovery in horses. Further research is needed to draw conclusions for clinical use.