Effect of a Constant Rate Infusion of Ketamine on a Variable Rate Infusion of Xylazine in Standing Horses Undergoing Ventriculocordectomy and Laryngoplasty.
Veterinary sciences January 12, 2026 Francisco Medina-Bautista, Juan Morgaz, Setefilla Quirós-carmona et al.
Adding a low-dose ketamine infusion to xylazine sedation in horses undergoing standing surgery did not significantly reduce the amount of xylazine needed, but it did produce deeper sedation. In a randomized trial with 51 horses, those receiving xylazine plus ketamine required a median xylazine dose of 0.8 mg/kg/h compared to 0.9 mg/kg/h for xylazine alone, a difference that was not statistically significant. Horses given ketamine achieved deeper sedation scores without increased ataxia or changes in surgical conditions. Cardiorespiratory variables remained stable in both groups, and no adverse events occurred. The findings suggest ketamine can enhance sedation depth without reducing xylazine requirements.