Cardiovascular changes associated with anaesthesia induced by medetomidine combined with ketamine in cats

SUMMARY Fifteen cats had anaesthesia induced by intramuscular injection of medetomidine combined with ketamine. By five minutes after drug administration, heart rate had decreased by 31 per cent, respiratory rate had decreased by 70 per cent and systolic blood pressure had increased by 69 per cent. Atipamezole administration was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in heart and respiratory rates. Time to first head lift was eight minutes and to sternal recumbency 12 minutes after atipamezole administration. Postoperative analgesia was provided by methadone, administered when the cats adopted sternal recumbency.