The use of multimodal analgesia in the management of suspected extremity compartment syndrome in the pelvic limb of a horse

Abstract

SummaryA 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred cross Dartmoor mare was referred to the clinic with marked lameness and swelling involving the left stifle region. There was poor initial response to medical management and arthroscopic examination of the stifle joint was performed under general anaesthesia. Following surgery, the lameness and swelling worsened and extremity compartment syndrome was suspected. A multimodal analgesia protocol was instigated to provide adequate analgesia and improved mobility, aiding the use of physical therapy in resolving the swelling. This report demonstrates the successful combination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories, paracetamol, ketamine infusion and epidural opioid administration to manage the clinical signs. The mare was discharged from hospital after 15 days and at short‐term follow‐up (3 months), there was no reported residual swelling or lameness.