Abstract
American Journal of Veterinary Research
June 2011, Vol. 72, No. 6, Pages 746-750
doi: 10.2460/ajvr.72.6.746
Effect of topical vapocoolant spray on response to arthrocentesis and
intravenous catheterization in unsedated horses
Catherine T. Fjordbakk, DVM; Henning A. Haga, DVM, PhD
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Teaching Hospital,
Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, 0033 Oslo, Norway. (Fjordbakk, Haga)
Address correspondence to Dr. Fjordbakk
(cathrine.fjordbakk@nvh.no).
Objective – To assess the efficacy of a commercially available topical vapocoolant
spray in reducing responses to arthrocentesis of the middle carpal (MC) and
metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and jugular vein catheterization in unsedated
horses.
Animals – 8 health research horses.
Procedures – Arthrocentesis of both MC and MCP joints and bilateral jugular vein
catheterization were performed in each horse. Immediately prior to skin
penetration, 1 randomly selected MC joint, MCP joint, and jugular vein were
sprayed with a vapocoolant liquid (intervention product), and the contralateral MC
joint, MCP joint, and jugular vein were sprayed with water (placebo). An observer
blinded to the type of spray treatment used evaluated the horses’ responses to
needle or catheter placement procedures by use of a 6-point categorical scale and a
100-mm visual analog scale.
Results – Responses evaluated via the visual analog scale were significantly
reduced after application of the intervention product, compared with responses
after application of the placebo, for the MC and MCP joints; no difference in
responses to jugular vein catheterization was detected between the two treatments.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance – Vapocoolant spray was safe and effective in
reducing horses’ responses to arthrocentesis. The use of such products prior to
joint injections may reduce procedural nociception and pain anticipation in
unsedated horses and may improve the safety of personnel performing such
procedures.