Final answer:
Padding and positioning of the front legs and head for horses under anesthesia in later recumbency is important to prevent laminitis, neuromuscular damage, and decubital sores.
Step-by-step explanation:
For horses under anesthesia in later recumbency, padding and positioning of the front legs and head is important to prevent laminitis, neuromuscular damage, and decubital sores.
Laminitis is a painful condition that affects the hoof and can result in lameness. Neuromuscular damage can occur due to prolonged pressure on the nerves and muscles, leading to weakness and loss of function. Decubital sores, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, can develop when there is prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body.
Proper padding and positioning can help distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of these complications.