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Anaesthetists sought for study into equine mortality
Previous studies have shown that anaesthetic fatalities are 10 times more likely in equines than other animals.
 
Study aims to highlight trends and outcomes in equine anaesthetic practice.

Researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are seeking anaesthetists and equine clinicians for a study exploring equine mortality associated with general anaesthesia and standing sedation.

Findings from the study, known as Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4), will highlight trends in equine anaesthetic practice and the outcomes, in terms of disease and mortality.

Previous studies have shown that anaesthetic fatalities are 10 times more likely for equines than other animals, such as cats and dogs. The team behind the project hope to lower this risk of death by shining the spotlight on practices linked to higher fatality.

The study follows a similar initiative, known as CEPEF2, that compiled more than 40,000 cases from 62 centres across the globe, and identified several potential contributors to the high risk of anaesthetic-associated mortality.

With this latest study, the team hopes to gather a similar number of cases relating not only to general anaesthesia but also those that can be performed on standing horses. Five months into the project, they already have amassed more than 7,000 cases from more than 65 collaborating centres.

It is being led by the Royal (Dick) equine veterinary services in collaboration with specialists from CEU Cardenal Herrera University, Spain and the University of Zürich, Switzerland.

“In the two decades since the last study of this type, there have been many improvements in anaesthesia practices and technology,” commented Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla, senior lecturer in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia at Edinburgh. 

“We hope to generate a large dataset from different clinics around the world, to assess current trends and practices, and point to potential improvements in anaesthesia for horses and other equine animals.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.