Veterinary Anesthesia Protocol Builder (Dog & Cat)
Quick-look anesthesia protocols by species and patient profile (healthy young, healthy senior, cardiac).
Species
Patient profile
Premedication
- Dexmedetomidine0.005–0.01 mg/kg · IM
- Methadone0.3 mg/kg · IM
Induction
- Propofol2–4 mg/kg · IV titrated to effect
- Alfaxalone1.5–2 mg/kg · IV (alternative)
Maintenance
Isoflurane 1.0–1.5% or sevoflurane 1.5–2.5% in O₂
Standard balanced anaesthesia. Add fentanyl CRI 2-10 mcg/kg/hr or ketamine CRI for surgical analgesia.
Frequently asked questions
Why are cardiac patients given midazolam and etomidate?
Both have minimal effect on cardiac contractility and systemic vascular resistance compared to propofol or alfaxalone. Etomidate is the most cardiovascularly stable induction agent available - the trade-off is brief myoclonus and a single dose of adrenocortical suppression.
Why avoid dexmedetomidine in cardiac cats?
Alpha-2 agonists cause profound peripheral vasoconstriction, doubling afterload. In HCM cats this can precipitate fulminant pulmonary oedema. The risk-benefit doesn't justify it in clinically obvious cardiac disease.
How conservative are these doses?
Ranges are pulled from the recent BSAVA and AAHA anaesthesia guidelines, aimed at routine elective procedures in a general-practice setting. For sick or compromised patients, reduce all doses 25-50% and pre-oxygenate before induction.