Abstract:
Induction of anaesthesia occasionally has been associated with undesirable behaviour in
dogs. High quality of induction of anaesthesia with propofol has been well described while in
contrast variable induction and recovery quality has been associated with diazepam-ketamine.
In this study, anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics of diazepam-ketamine
combination with propofol alone were compared in dogs undergoing elective orchidectomy.
Thirty-six healthy adult male dogs were used. After habitus scoring (simple descriptive
scale [SDS]), the dogs were sedated with morphine and acepromazine. Forty minutes later
a premedication score (SDS) was allocated and general anaesthesia was induced using a
combination of diazepam-ketamine (Group D/K) or propofol (Group P) and maintained
with isoflurane. Scores for the quality of induction, intubation and degree of myoclonus
were allocated (SDS). Orchidectomy was performed after which recovery from anaesthesia
was scored (SDS) and times to extubation and standing were recorded. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics and Kappa Reliability and Kendall Tau B tests. Both groups were
associated with acceptable quality of induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Group P,
however, was associated with a poorer quality of induction (p = 0.014), prolonged induction
period (p = 0.0018) and more pronounced myoclonus (p = 0.003), but had better quality of
recovery (p = 0.000002) and shorter recovery times (p = 0.035) compared with Group D/K.
Diazepam-ketamine and propofol are associated with acceptable induction and recovery
from anaesthesia. Propofol had inferior anaesthetic induction characteristics, but superior and
quicker recovery from anaesthesia compared with diazepam-ketamine.
