Tsandila A. DVM, Post-graduate Veterinarian, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Argyriou N. DVM, Post-graduate Veterinarian, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Katsampis S. DVM, MSc, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Tzortzi I. DVM, MSc, PhD candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor, Clinic of Surgery - Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Etomidate is used for intravenous induction of anaesthesia, in both dogs and cats. It is considered suitable for use in high-risk patients. The aim of the study is the presentation of cases of intramuscular administration of etomidate in cats as a preanaesthetic medication.
Materials
Fifteen cases of intramuscular etomidate administration in cats as preanaesthetic medication at the Companion Animal Clinic of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are presented. The cases were recorded during the period from December 1, 2019, to May 31, 2023.
Results
The majority of the cats were classified as ASA status ≥ 3 due to underlying diseases. Furthermore, all cats were not easy to restrain and administration of ketamine and α2 adrenergic agonists were not safe options for them. All cases received preanaesthetic etomidate intramuscularly along with butorphanol and midazolam. In 8 cases general anesthesia was administered and maintained with isoflurane. In all cases sedation and anaesthesia was stable and all cats recovered fully without the occurrence of intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Conclusions
Even though etomidate is not indicated for intramuscular administration, possibly its inclusion in the preanaesthetic protocol of cats with cardiovascular desease is a safe option.
