Ketaset?

[Brigitte Cowell]

I think the issue with injectable anesthetics such as ketamine is that dosage is determined by weight which assumes a certain proportion of fat, which absorbs the anesthetic so they basically calculate to give excess to allow for that. With a lean breed like the Savannah, this can lead to an "overdose"... hence the increased hallucinations but possibly increased chance of death.

On the flipside, I do believe that you should use the anesthetic your vet is accustomed to using. You don't want them experimenting with a new anesthetic protocol on your cat! So if it is a vet that is heavily experienced with ketamine, it might be safer to go with that. But if it is not a vet you know and would trust with your life, you could look at other options in your area?

 

[Patti]

I totally agree with that Brigitte. Propofol is a very safe induction agent in the right hands, but it has the potential of being very dangerous if administered improperly. I think just as with all things in life you must weigh the risks and benefits. I use the local spay and neuter clinic for my later generation Savannahs simply because I can't afford what my vet charges for every cat I neuter, and they use ketamine. However for my early generation cats I always take them to my vet: they know I prefer not to use ketamine and have no issue using propofol.