General anaesthetic worries.

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Fourtoomany

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My big (nearly 18hh) 9yo WB has to go for surgery. Just waiting for referral.

I’m not actually worried about the procedure at all (arthroscopy) but I am extremely worried about the GA. Absolutely puts the fear into me! Not just the coming round, but also the worry of colic.

Please tell me any positive experiences of your horses who have had this done! I find so many horror stories and it’s just making me very anxious!!
 
Mine had 5 ga
In the space of a few months the first time not going to lie he didn’t recover well , was quite panicky on getting up they said and really knocked him for 6 was very quiet for a few days post ga and then had problems urianting , that was worse case but the ones after that he was absolutely fine xx
 
My NF Rio had a GA at Liphook last August. Only 13.2, so they managed to get an awful lot of him into the CT scanner. Came round very calmly, no dramas and no colic, in fact when I went to collect him you wouldn't have known he'd had one. Turned straight back out with his mates on returning home - sadly what was found on the scan wasn't fixable, but the GA was no problem.
 
Years ago my RID had a GA for colic surgery and with his breeding we were nearly as worried about the GA as the colic, but it was his only chance. He was fine. I mentioned to them that he was inclined to panic so they put him in assisited recovery and brought him round slowly, it might be worth discussing your worries with them to put your mind at rest.
 
I’ve had 2 undergo GA, one was very needle phobic and 1 was a youngster. I was a terrible mess with anxiety before both times, it is scary as it’s not the normal for us owners. But the people performing it do it countless times a week! Both of mine recovered very well, they were abit groggy the following hours but I got update photos/videos of them eating a mash a couple of hours later. I asked my vet to talk me through the protocols for recovery the first time and she kindly did- in detail which made me feel a LOT better about it as it took away the unknown!

Hope all goes well for you x
 
I had one who had a GA this week, but it was an emergency and she would be dead without it, so not quite the same situation. She’s a very sensible sort too and apparently recovered slowly but with no dramas.

But I am contemplating a GA procedure for my young horse after a consult with a vet this morning, and just like you I’m quite scared about it.
 
I had this worry last year- my 18hh+ 5yro gelding needed a wind op.
I was so worried about the GA and losing him, I rang all round the country to check other vets who do wind ops under standing sedation.

However, I did go with the original vet and plan and he had a GA.
He was fine!

There is a risk with GA and you can't pretend there isn't.
However if your horse is otherwise healthy, a good weight etc. then the risk is much lower than the average.
 
My colt had colic surgery last August and had no GA complications despite being exhausted by that point! he recovered very well from his ordeal!

I had a TB go under for KS surgery and he also coped admirably despite being a bit hysterical in everyday life. He would colic from being worked etc but he didn’t from the GA and recovery! I’d discuss your specific concerns with the vets, it’s always a risk.
 
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