Comparative Study on the Anaesthetic Effect of Tiletamine-zolazepam and Propofol as an Induction Agent for Conventional and Endoscopic Abdominal Surgeries in Domestic Cats

Felines have higher metabolic and heart rates than canines and therefore are considered to be the delicate subjects for anaesthesia and pain management. Major surgeries in felines require balanced anaesthesia with smooth and fast induction, longer duration of action and faster and excitement free recovery.

The study was conducted on 24 clinical cases of cats, subjected to conventional and endoscopic surgeries for abdominal affections, premedicated with atropine and dexamethasone at the rate of 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight to assess the anaesthetic effect of tiletamine-zolazepam combination at the rate of 8 mg/kg body weight IM in group A (n=12) and propofol @ 8 mg/kg body weight IV in group B (n=12) respectively as inducing agent to isoflurane maintained anaesthesia.

The mean induction time were 421.9±69.47 seconds (7.03±1.16 minutes) in group A and 56.2±0.43 seconds (0.94±0.01 minute) in group B. In both the groups quality of induction was smooth with rapid loss of all reflexes allowing easy intubation. A significant drop in rectal temperature at 15 min post induction with minimal alterations in heart rate, respiration rate and saturated oxygen level were observed. The mean time of recovery recorded were 75.91±8.1 minutes in group A and 88.2±10.2 minutes in group B. Smooth, rapid and good quality recovery was observed in both the anaesthetic groups; however, propofol-induced transitory hypothermia and shivering, lowered the quality of recovery in group B. All the physiological and hematological parameters were in normal limits.