Combinations of drugs administered intramuscularly are commonly used in cats to facilitate procedures such as spays and neuters, particularly in high-volume programs such as those run by shelters. Dexmedetomidine, a sedative with pain-relieving properties, and ketamine, an anesthetic, are often included in these combinations. Unfortunately, dexmedetomidine is known to have a number of adverse effects, particularly on the cardiovascular system. We have previously shown that combining dexmedetomidine with the drug vatinoxan largely reduces the effects of dexmedetomidine on the cardiovascular whilst preserving its beneficial effects of sedation and pain relief. In this study, we propose studying the effects of dexmedetomidine, vatinoxan, and ketamine to produce anesthesia in cats. Characteristics of anesthesia and the effects on the cardiovascular system will be measured. The goal of the study is to describe a drug combination providing the advantages of those drug combinations currently in common use but with fewer adverse effects.
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