Perioperative Change of High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Cats According to Three Different Anaesthesia Protocols

Cardiac troponin I, a particular biomarker, is released into the bloodstream in response to myocardial injury.

To evaluate perioperative changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) concentration during ovariohysterectomy in cats undergoing three different anaesthesia protocols.

Twenty-one female mixed-breed cats owned by clients aged (2.2 ± 0.7 years) and weight (3.2 ± 0.5 kg) were included in our study. The cats were divided into three groups: propofol-isoflurane (PI) group (n = 7), xylazine-ketamine (XK) group (n = 7) and xylazine-isoflurane (XI) group (n = 7). After pre-anaesthetic propofol (6 mg/kg IV) was administered to cats in Group PI, a mask was placed, and anaesthesia was maintained with 3.0% isoflurane in oxygen. Cats in Group XK underwent general anesthetization with xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM) and, 10 min later, ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg IM). Cats in Group XI were administered xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM), and then anaesthesia (3.0% isoflurane and oxygen) was continued with a mask. Blood samples were collected from all cats; preoperatively and postoperatively at 0 and 12 h (Pre-, Post-0 h and Post-12 h, respectively). Serum hs-cTnI concentrations were measured with the Advia Centaur TnI-Ultra.

In all 21 cats, hs-cTnI concentration increased at Post-0 h and 12 h measurement points compared to Pre-. In the XK group, hs-cTnI concentrations exhibited a significant increase at the Post-0 h (51.30 ng/L) and Post-12 h (157.70 ng/L) time points compared to Pre- (6.70 ng/L) (p < 0.05).

The XK group increased the concentration of hs-cTnI more than other protocols. In the PI group, the increase in hs-cTnI concentrations at Post-0 and 12 h increased less than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The PI group was found to induce less myocardial damage.