Propofol-halothane and thiopental-halothane anesthesia in ill dogs

A clinical comparison between propofol and sodium thiopental as induction a gents prior to inhalation anesthesia was carried out in 84 dogs. The animal s were divided randomly into two groups and following premedication with ac epromazine (0.05 mg/kg IM) and atropine (0.01 mg/kg IM), anesthesia was ind uced by an intravenous administration of thiopental (thiopental group) or p ropofol (propofol group) and maintained with halothane. Thiopental was admi nistered at a dose of 9.61 +/- 3.96 mg/kg and propofol at a dose of 3.45 +/ - 1.47 mg/kg. Thiopental produced higher heart rates and longer times to ex tubation, while respiratory rates were greater in the propofol group. No si gnificant differences were observed between groups for arterial oxygen satu ration or rectal temperature. Propofol may thus be recommended as a safe an d valid alternative for its use in the genera anesthesia of dogs, and may b e used whatever the anesthetic risk or type of surgery. However, it is nece ssary to increase the halothane percentage administered to maintain anesthe sia compared to what would usually be used after induction with thiopental.