In summary, with proper vigilance, neuromuscular blocking agents can be used safely in anesthetized equine patients to optimize conditions for certain surgical procedures. By appropriate use of neuromuscular monitoring techniques and reversal agents, residual blockade and muscle weakness should be avoided, allowing the horse to recover to standing without difficulty. Research is ongoing to develop the ideal muscle relaxant, one that has a rapid onset, predictable duration and recovery times, and negligible hemodynamic effects. As newer agents become available, they should be evaluated for their suitability for use in equine patients.
