Zouloumis V. DVM, MSc student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Papageorgiou V. DVM, PhD student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Ververidis C. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
A commonly used anesthetic protocol for large population spay programs is the combination of dexmedetomidine, butorphanol and ketamine. However, there are limited evidence about the effect of this drug combination on the respiratory function of the cats in dorsal recumbency with the hind legs pulled rostrally.
Materials and methods
Twenty-five male stray cats, admitted for elective orchiectomy were included. All cats received a combination of dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg) and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg) and LR’s (3 ml/kg/h) were administered and an arterial blood sample for gas analysis was collected. Then, ketamine (10 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly.
Orchiectomy was performed when anesthetic depth was adequate. Then, approximately 20 minutes after ketamine administration, a second arterial sample was collected. Both arterial blood samples were collected in room air conditions.
Results
A significant decrease in arterial oxygen partial tension (PO2) was noted 20 minutes after ketamine administration. More specifically, mean PO2 was 93 mmHg and 75 mmHg, in the first and in the second arterial sample, respectively. In addition, an increase in carbon dioxide partial pressure, glucose and lactate was also noted.
Conclusions
Supplemental oxygen is suggested when the combination of these anesthetic drugs is used in cats positioned as described above.
References
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