# Clinical Comparison of Ketamine‐Dexmedetomidine With Ketamine‐Propofol During Canine Orchiectomy: A Randomized Study

## TL;DR

This study compares two anesthesia combinations in dogs during surgery, finding similar intubation times but differences in heart and blood pressure stability.

## Contribution

The study provides a clinical comparison of ketamine-dexmedetomidine and ketamine-propofol for canine orchiectomy anesthesia.

## Key findings

- Intubation time was comparable between ketamine-dexmedetomidine and ketamine-propofol groups.
- Ketamine-propofol showed increased heart rate and blood pressure compared to ketamine-dexmedetomidine.
- Ketamine-dexmedetomidine maintained higher oxygen saturation and required longer top-up anesthesia.

## Abstract

To compare the effects of two different protocols, ketamine with dexmedetomidine (ketamine‐dexmedetomidine [KD]) and ketamine with propofol (ketamine‐propofol [KP]), on intubation time, selected cardiopulmonary parameters, and anaesthesia maintenance during canine orchiectomy in a clinical setting.

Randomized clinical trial.

Twenty‐six healthy dogs were undergoing orchiectomy.

Dogs were randomly assigned to the KD group [n = 13; single intravenous bolus of ketamine (5 mg kg−1) combined with dexmedetomidine (10 µg kg−1)], or KP group [n = 13, an intravenous bolus of ketamine combined with propofol at a 1:2 concentration ratio and infused at a 0.2 mL kg−1 min−1 rate for 120 s until jaw relaxation and the consumed amount recorded]. Orotracheal intubation followed the induction of anaesthesia. The cardiopulmonary variables were assessed at baseline and 5‐min intervals up to 30 min. A 20% increase in at least two variables, such as heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and respiratory rate, prompted the administration of top‐ups. Following surgery, the recovery time and quality were assessed.

There was no significant difference in intubation time between KD (3.3 ± 0.8) and KP (2.7 ± 0.9, p = 0.121). Over time, HR and MAP significantly increased in the KP group compared to the KD group (p < 0.001). The haemoglobin oxygen saturation was higher in the KD group (97.7% ± 2.1%) compared to the KP (95.3% ± 2.2%, p = 0.015). The duration of the top‐up requirement was longer in the KD group as compared to a single bolus of KP, with a mean difference of 31.2 min (95% CI 20.80–41.51) (p < 0.01).

Both KP and KD combinations effectively maintain anaesthesia during canine castration surgery, demonstrating comparable intubation times. Although KP requires additional top‐ups, it potentially offers enhanced cardiovascular stability compared to KD. However, the use of KP necessitates support of body temperature and oxygenation.

The graphical abstract of this study presents a comparative analysis of two anaesthetic protocols, ketamine‐dexmedetomidine and ketamine‐propofol, utilized during canine orchiectomy.