Abstract
Objective
To compare haemodynamic and respiratory variables during isoflurane–fentanyl (IF)
and propofol–fentanyl (PF) anaesthesia for surgery in injured cats.
Study design
Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study.
Animals
Thirty-three client-owned injured cats undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
Materials and methods
Pre-anaesthetic medication was intravenous midazolam 1 mg kg−1, butorphanol 0.4 mg kg−1 and ketamine 2 mg kg−1. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (P) and maintained with either: (a) a continuous
rate infusion (CRI) of fentanyl (F) 0.02 mg kg−1 hour−1 and isoflurane (initial end-tidal concentration of 1%), (b) a fentanyl CRI (dose
as before) and sevoflurane (initial end-tidal concentration of 2%) or (c) a CRI of
propofol (12 mg kg−1 hour−1). All three techniques were given to effect until surgical anaesthesia was achieved.
Heart rate and rhythm (ECG), mean arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, tidal
volume and end-tidal CO2 concentration were recorded. Venous blood gas analysis was performed before and after
sedation, and at the end of anaesthesia. Blood chemistry and blood cell counts were
assessed before, at the end of, and 24 hours after anaesthesia. The variables recorded
from cats anaesthetized with IF and PF were compared.
Results
Mean end-expiratory isoflurane concentration was 1.19 ± 0.19%. The propofol infusion
rate was 11.4 ± 0.8 mg kg−1 hour−1. No significant differences between the two groups in heart rate were identified;
no cardiac dysrhythmias were recorded. Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly
lower in IF cats during skin incision (p = 0.01), during surgery without intense surgical stimulation (p < 0.01) and during surgery with intense surgical stimulation (p = 0.01). Nine of 11 cats in the IF group were markedly hypotensive (34–49 mmHg) while
seven of 11 cats in group PF were mildly hypotensive (49–59 mmHg). One of 11 cats
in group IF and nine of 11 cats in group PF required intermittent positive pressure
ventilation (IPPV) to maintain end-tidal CO2 levels below 6.66 kPa (50 mmHg).
Conclusion and clinical relevance
Despite the necessity to ventilate the lungs of cats in the PF group, arterial blood
pressure was better maintained. Propofol–fentanyl anaesthesia is better for surgery
in injured cats providing the means to impose IPPV are available.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 19,
2005
Received:
January 12,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
