The Effects of Propofol Anesthesia on Lipid Profile and Some Biochemical Indices in Cats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and VLDL), pancreas (lipase and amylase), liver (AST, ALT, and ALP), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, sodium and potassium function indicators in cats undergoing two different durations of anesthesia with propofol. Ten adult female cats were randomly divided into two groups (n= 5) and anaesthetized with propofol 1% (induction: 8 mg/kg; infusion: 0.3 mg/kg/min) for either 45 or 90 minutes. Blood samples were collected at predetermined intervals up to 72 hours later. Comparison of the measured variables between treatments did not show significant differences. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels showed significant increase after induction of anesthesia (P < .05). The highest triglyceride and cholesterol values were recorded at 6 and 24 hours. HDL was lower while LDL and VLDL were higher at several time points after anesthesia (P < .05). Higher values of lipase, ALT and AST were detected after induction (P < .05). All the observed alterations were within normal ranges. In conclusion, propofol anesthesia was associated with some changes in lipid profile, as well as pancreatic and liver function indices, which should be considered in clinical situations. It seems that in the absence of pre- or co-existing disturbances, induction and maintenance of anesthesia with propofol did not carry additional risk to cats.