From the FDA Drug Label
CATS Induction of general anesthesia in cats: Induction dose guidelines are based on data from the field study (see EFFECTIVENESS) and range between 2.2 - 9.7 mg/kg for cats that did not receive a preanesthetic, and between 1.0 - 10. 8 mg/kg for cats that received a preanesthetic. Alfaxalone Induction Dose Guidelines: CATS PreanestheticAverage alfaxalone induction dose (and range) in mg/kgNumber of cats No preanesthetic4.0 (2.2-9.7)33 Opioid + phenothiazine3.2 (1.1-10.8)96 Benzodiazepine + phenothiazine3.6 (1.5-7. 1)23 Benzodiazepine + opioid + phenothiazine2.3 (1.2-5.0)26 Alpha2-adrenergic agonist with/without phenothiazine3.6 (1.1-5.0)15 Alpha2-adrenergic agonist + phenothiazine with/without benzodiazepine or opioid2.9 (1.0-3.9)11
The recommended dosage of alfaxalone for induction of general anesthesia in cats ranges between 2.2 - 9.7 mg/kg for cats without preanesthetic and 1.0 - 10.8 mg/kg for cats with preanesthetic.
- The actual induction dose should be based on patient response.
- Examples of average induction doses for cats that received various preanesthetics are presented in the table, but the actual dose should be titrated against the response of the patient 1.
The FDA drug label does not provide information on the recommended dosages of propofol and ketamine for anesthesia in dogs and cats.
From the Research
For anesthesia induction in dogs and cats, the recommended dosages are propofol at 2.62 mg/kg IV in dogs, alfaxalone at 0.62-2.8 mg/kg IV in dogs and 2-5 mg/kg IV in cats, and ketamine at 5-10 mg/kg IV in dogs and cats, with the option to combine ketamine with diazepam or midazolam to reduce side effects. These dosages should be adjusted based on the patient's health status, with reductions for geriatric, debilitated, or compromised patients. Pre-medication with sedatives like acepromazine, dexmedetomidine, or opioids can significantly lower the required induction dose, often by 30-50% 2, 3. The choice of induction agent depends on the individual patient's needs, with propofol and alfaxalone providing smooth, rapid induction with quick recovery, but potentially causing respiratory depression and hypotension, while ketamine maintains cardiovascular function better but can increase intracranial pressure and cause dysphoria during recovery 4. All these drugs should be administered slowly over 60-90 seconds while monitoring for adequate anesthetic depth to avoid overdosing. Supportive care, including oxygen supplementation, IV fluid therapy, and temperature management, should be provided throughout the procedure 5, 6. Key considerations for anesthesia induction in dogs and cats include:
- Monitoring for adequate anesthetic depth to avoid overdosing
- Providing supportive care, including oxygen supplementation and IV fluid therapy
- Adjusting dosages based on patient health status and pre-medication
- Choosing the most appropriate induction agent for the individual patient's needs.