[Anesthesia of horses with xylazine and ketamine. 1. Anesthesia of foals].

The anaesthesia with Xylazine and Ketamine in 24 foals is described. Special qualities of this form of anaesthesia and dosages for foals of different age are discussed. The combination of Xylazine and Ketamine is well suited for the anaesthesia of foals of all age and risk-groups. The induction takes place quickly and calmly, without signs of cardiorespiratory depression. The maintenance of anaesthesia is possible, without any problem, by repeated injection with Xylazine and Ketamine, as well as by inhalation anaesthesia with volatile anaesthetics. The recovery is short; the animals rise swiftly and safely. For these reasons we prefer, in foals, the anaesthesia with Xylazine and Ketamine to the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with thiobarbiturates.