What risk is associated with prolonged recumbency during general anesthesia in food animals?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Fatigue
• C. Myopathy and neuropathy
• D. Heightened alertness

Answer: (C)

Prolonged recumbency during general anesthesia in food animals is associated with myopathy and neuropathy as the correct response. When an animal remains in a recumbent position for an extended period, the muscles and nerves are subjected to pressure and compromised blood flow, particularly in areas where the animal's body is in contact with the ground or other surfaces. This can lead to muscle damage, known as myopathy, and nerve damage, termed neuropathy, which can manifest as weakness, pain, or loss of function in the affected areas.

This risk is particularly significant in larger animals, such as cattle and horses, where the sheer weight of the body can exacerbate the effects of prolonged positioning. Preventive measures, such as periodically repositioning the animal or using appropriate padding, can mitigate these risks during anesthesia.

The other options, while they may present challenges in the management of anesthesia, do not specifically encapsulate the primary risk associated with prolonged recumbency in the same way. Dehydration, though important, is typically a concern during prolonged anesthesia due to fasting protocols but is not directly linked to the recumbent position. Fatigue is more related to the overall duration of the procedure rather than the position itself. Heightened alertness is contrary