Effects of propofol on the electrocardiogram and systolic blood pressure of healthy cats pre-medicated with acepromazine.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain and analyze the electrocardiogram and systolic blood pressure of cats before, during, and after a continuous infusion of propofol.


METHODS
Prospective, uncontrolled experimental trial.


METHODS
Twenty healthy adult crossbred male and female cats aged between 3 and 5 years, weighing 2.8-5.0 kg (mean 3.9 kg).


METHODS
Cats were pre-medicated with acepromazine 0.1 mg kg(-1) subcutaneously and anesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) propofol 6 mg kg(-1) and maintained with a continuous infusion of propofol at 0.5 mg kg(-1) minute(-1) for 60 minutes. Electrocardiographic parameters and systolic blood pressure obtained by Doppler ultrasound were recorded before pre-medication (T0), 30 (T30), and 60 (T60) minutes after beginning the continuous infusion, and 30 minutes after its cessation (T90). Repeated measures anova was used to perform statistical analysis.


RESULTS
A significant decrease in heart rate was observed at all time points when compared with T0 values. The PR interval increased significantly at T60 and T90. Systolic blood pressures during anesthesia were significantly lower than at T0 and T90.


CONCLUSIONS
The changes seen were not clinically important in normal cats but given the reduction in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, careful consideration should be given before using this technique in patients in which hypotension or a reduction in heart rate would be poorly tolerated.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. ggpereira2002@yahoo.com.br
Guilherme G
GG
Pereira
Maria Helena M A
MH
Larsson
Fernanda L
FL
Yamaki
Elaine C
EC
Soares
Ronaldo J
RJ
Yamato
Moacir L
ML
Neto
Tilde R
TR
Froes
Luciana V
LV
Bastos
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol