A combination of midazolam, 0.2mg/kg body weight given via intramuscular, and detomidine, 0.02mg/kg body weight given via intravenous (IV), was evaluated as a method for induction of anesthesia with ketamine, 2.0mg/kg body weight given via IV in foals. Sixteen male and female foals aging from three to six-month old were distributed into two groups. Both groups were first injected with midazolam and with detomidine 15 minutes later. Three minutes later, ketamine was injected in the foals. Sedation and light ataxia were observed 15 minutes after midazolam administration. Bradycardia, atrioventricular block, increased blood pressure, lateral recumbency, and muscle relaxation were observed two minutes after detomidine. At that time, the oculopalpebral, anal, and cogh reflexes were present. The association of midazolam/detomidine and ketamine caused absence of the swallow reflexes. The recovery time was from 45 to 60 minutes for animals from GI and GII groups, respectively. Respiratory rate and body temperature remained unchanged. The combination of midazolam/detomidine and ketamine is a safe, good, and efficient method for anesthesia in healthy foals.
foal; ketamine; detomidine; midazolam; anesthesia
