History of anaesthesia in dogs and cats

I just spoke to a senior vet to enquire whether he has domitor as my vets have run out of it. He does not use it. Some interesting history from this experienced small animal vet now in his 70s. He started practice some 50 years ago when Singapore had only 3 vet practices and the government Animal Infirmary. Now there are around 50.

1. Xylazine knock down. Nembutal IV to effect. "Despite the vet books claiming that Nembutal will cause drowsy puppies, I did not have any. Intubate and give halothane gas + O2 or just O2 will do." He did a few thousand dog Caesareans. Minimal dosage. Nembutal no longer available easily.

2. Now he uses xylazine + ketamine. It is better, easier to handle and cheaper. Does not need to have many nurses to assist in spay.

E.g. Shih Tzu which is bigge than a cat, xylazine 2% at 0.6 to 0.7 ml and ketamine at 0.4 to 0.5 ml IM or IV. The vet needs to experience the dosage. .

E.g. adult cat in Singapore    xylazine at 0.4 to 0.5 ml & ketamine at 0.4-0.5 ml IM.

3. His younger vet uses propofol

4. He does not use zoletil, diazepam or domitor for sedation.

This is good management as too many sedatives increase stock costs as they expire. Younger employee vets seldom know about the high overheads in a vet practice as they order various kinds of sedatives based on their likes and dislikes. When they open their practice, they may then understand.