This dissertation focuses on the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to identify trends in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) in both conscious and anaesthetised healthy horses. A cerebral/somatic oximeter sensor recorded rSO2 from the dorsal sagittal sinus of 6 healthy horses. Values for rSO2, arterial and venous oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions (PaO2, PvO2, PaCO2 and PvCO2 respectively), along with arteriovenous oxygen saturations (SavO2) were recorded in unsedated (recording period [RP] 1), sedated (RP2), and anaesthetised horses (RP3-5); and during recovery (RP6-8). During anaesthesia, horses were ventilated to achieve states of normo- (RP3), hyper- (RP4) and hypocapnoea (RP5). Overall mean ± s.d. values for rSO2, PaO2, PvO2, PaCO2, SavO2 and mean arterial pressure (MAP) varied significantly by RP. Significant decreases in rSO2 were identified between RP1 and the post-anaesthetic periods however no significant differences in rSO2 values were identified between RP1 and the intra-anaesthesia periods. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation was significantly correlated with PaO2, PvO2 and SavO2. No correlation was identified between rSO2 and lactate concentration. This is the first study to identify trends in rSO2 in horses using NIRS. A significant positive correlation was identified between rSO2 and PvO2, suggesting that alterations in cerebral oxygenation may be reflected in jugular PvO2. Results of this study demonstrate that NIRS can be used during general anaesthesia to monitor trends in rSO2 in healthy horses, and has the potential to alert clinicians to cerebral desaturation events when used in a clinical setting. / Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted