Effects of saffan on cardiopulmonary function in healthy cats

The effects of saffan on cardiopulmonary function were evaluated in eight healthy adult cats. Measured values were cardiac output by thermodilution, heart rate by electrocardiogram, arterial blood gases, respiratory rate and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures by arterial catheterization. Calculated values included cardiac index, stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance. Statistical analysis employed paired t-tests comparing pre saffan anesthetic induction and post saffan anesthetic parameters over a 120 minute time sequence. Thirty min after saffan induction, significant depression in cardiac output was evident while stroke volume was significantly depressed at 45 and 60 min, systolic blood pressure at 15 min and respiratory rate at 5, 10 and 15 min. No significant changes occurred in cardiac index, heart rate, arterial blood gases, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure or systemic vascular resistance. It was concluded that saffan causes significant depression of cardiopulmonary function in normal adult cats.