Diane Mason
Anesthetic, sedative, tranquilizer, and analgesic drugs are fundamental in equine medicine to enable procedures and ensure humane care. These agents include α2-adrenoceptor agonists, phenothiazines, benzodiazepines, dissociative anesthetics, barbiturates, propofol, alfaxalone, and local anesthetics. Each class exhibits distinct mechanisms, pharmacological effects, and safety considerations. α2-Adrenoceptor agonists provide sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation but may cause cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects. Phenothiazines offer tranquilization with minimal ataxia, while benzodiazepines are primarily used for muscle relaxation and anticonvulsant activity. Dissociative anesthetics (e.g. ketamine) induce anesthesia and analgesia, often combined with other agents for balanced protocols. Barbiturates and propofol serve as induction agents, with propofol offering rapid onset and recovery. Local anesthetics block nerve conduction for local, regional, and epidural analgesia. Optimal drug selection and dosing require careful consideration of pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and patient-specific factors. Advances in multimodal strategies aim to improve safety, recovery, and overall outcomes in equine practice.