[Comparative studies of short-term anesthesia with alfentanil/etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadolone in cats]

In a clinical study alfentanil/etomidat-short-active anaesthesia was used in 150 cats. The anaesthesia progress was compared to usual steroid anaesthesia by using clinical parameters as respiratory and pulse frequency as well as reflexes. Surgical tolerance in both anaesthesia was 6 minutes without and 7 minutes with azaperon premedication. In both anaesthesia excitations occur during waking time. They can be prevented by using a calm waking room or by premedication with azaperon (in subclinical dose of 0.25 mg/kg BW) or diazepam (in the usual dose of 0,2-1 mg/kg BW). Premedication with diazepam is preferred because it has no influence on respiration and circulation and does not intensify the anaesthesia. Indications for alfentanil/etomidat short-active anaesthesia are minor surgery, diagnostic measures and teeth treatment. In addition, alfentanil/etomidat was shown to be suitable for introducing inhalation anaesthesia particularly in old and sick animals.