Cardiovascular complications during equine anaesthesia: From pre‐anaesthetic assessment to recovery

Abstract

Summary Cardiac leiomyosarcoma is an exceptionally rare neoplasm in equids. The case report by Carroll et al. (2026; Equine Veterinary Education , 38, e686) in the October issue describes a mule that suffered fatal cardiovascular collapse during recovery, with post‐mortem examination revealing a cardiac leiomyosarcoma and severe pericardial effusion. This unusual case provides a basis for discussing broader aspects of equine anaesthesia, including the limited evidence for additional pre‐anaesthetic investigations in horses, the potential for unpredictable cardiovascular complications and the particularly hazardous nature of the recovery period.