Technique for reversible vagal blockade in the standing conscious pony
Derksen, F.J.; Robinson, N.E.; Stick, J.A.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 42(3): 523-525
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 7271019 Document Number: 179370
A surgical technique is described for preparation of chronic cervical vagal loops in ponies. Vagal blockade was induced by circulating methanol (-2.degree. C) through coils which enclosed the loops. Vagal blockade increased tidal volume, heart rate and systemic blood pressure and decreased respiratory rate. Atropine, given at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg i.v., increased heart rate and systemic pressure but did not alter respiratory variables, indicating that vagal cooling caused both afferent and efferent blockade. The effects of vagal blockade were rapidly reversed when refrigerated coils were removed.