Twelve foals were evaluated on their response to ten minutes of respiratory support by mask oxygen supplementation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after induction of respiratory depression by intravenous administration of xylazine and fentanyl. Each foal received the alternate treatment after 10 minutes of breathing ambient air, and the procedure was repeated after 48 hours with treatment order reversed.

CPAP was associated with comparable increase in PaO2 relative to mask oxygen supplementation, but with lower respiratory rate, increased oxygen extraction and increased carbon dioxide elimination. Mild increase in PaCO2 was observed during CPAP and O2 supplementation. Expiratory time increased and peak expiratory flow decreased during CPAP.

The results from the study suggest that CPAP has superior respiratory support compared to O2 insufflation due to increased respiratory efficiency.

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Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on respiratory function in sedated foals.