injectable anaesthetics

Question 1

propofol

Answer 1

acts on GABA receptors
most commonly used induction agent - smoother recovery than alfaxalone
inexpensive, short-acting, able to be titrated
if given too fast it will cause hypotension and apnoea (1mg/kg over 10 secs)
cats - longer DOA, can only use it once (anaemia)

Question 2

alfaxalone

Answer 2

steroid anaesthesia
GABA receptors
very common induction agent
titratable

Question 3

thiopental

Answer 3

must be IV - causes necrosis when paravenous!!
dont use in greyhounds
rough recovery

Question 4

ketamine

Answer 4

antagonist NMDA receptor
dissociative anaesthetic
reflexes are maintained
good analgesia
never given alone - stormy recovery - give with sedative

Question 5

considerations of propofol use in cats

Answer 5

Longer DOA – due to slightly reduced hepatic metabolism – not clinically relevant if spay is going to take at least an hour, only really relevant for super quick procedures e.g., castration
Repeated administration = toxicity – tends to cause damage to RBCs and cause Heinz body anaemia, not major for single anaesthetic