A preliminary trial comparison of several anesthetic techniques in cats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of several drug combina tions (atropine, xylazine, romifidine, methotrimeprazine, midazolam, or fen tanyl) with ketamine for short term anesthesia in cats. Twelve cats were an esthetized 6 times by using a cross-over Latin square protocol: methotrimep razine was combined with midazolam, ketamine, and fentanyi; midazolam and k etamine; romifidine and ketamine; and xylazine and ketamine. Atropine was c ombined with romifidine and ketamine, and xylazine and ketamine. Temperatur e, heart rate, and respiratory rate decreased in all groups. Apnea occurred in 1 cat treated with methotrimeprazine, romifidine, and ketamine, suggest ing that ventilatory support may be necessary when this protocol is used. E mesis occurred in some cats treated with alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, an d this side effect should be considered when these drugs are used.