Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

Which choice is often used in combination with ketamine or thiopental to induce anesthesia in horses?

1. Halothane

2. Phenobarbital

3. Naloxone

4. Guaifenesin

The correct answer is: Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is often used in combination with ketamine or thiopental to induce anesthesia in horses due to its muscle relaxant properties. It allows for smoother induction and helps reduce the amount of anesthetic needed for induction with ketamine or thiopental. Guaifenesin acts as a central nervous system depressant and provides sedation while simultaneously providing muscle relaxation, making it an ideal adjunct in the anesthesia protocol for horses. The combination of guaifenesin with other agents enhances the overall efficacy of anesthesia while minimizing side effects commonly associated with higher doses of the primary anesthetic drugs alone. This practice is crucial in equine medicine, where maintaining stable anesthesia is vital for both the safety of the horse and the success of the procedure. Using halothane as an anesthetic agent is less common in modern veterinary practices due to concerns about its safety profile and the availability of newer inhalation anesthetics. Phenobarbital is primarily used as an anticonvulsant and is not typically utilized for induction of anesthesia. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, would counteract effects from opioids rather than work with induction agents, making it unsuitable for this context.