Anesthetic and physiologic effects of tiletamine, zolazepam, ketamine, and xylazine combination (TKX) in feral cats undergoing surgical sterilization

Abstract

Tiletamine (12.5 mg), zolazepam (12.5 mg), ketamine (20 mg), and xylazine (5 mg) (TKX; 0.25 ml, IM) combination was evaluated as an anesthetic in 22 male and 67 female adult feral cats undergoing sterilization at high-volume sterilization clinics. Cats were not intubated and breathed room air. Oxygen saturation (SpO2), mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and core body temperature were recorded. Yohimbine (0.25 ml, 0.5 mg, IV) was administered at the completion of surgery. TKX produced rapid onset of lateral recumbency (4±1 min) and surgical anesthesia of sufficient duration to complete surgical procedures in 92% of cats. SpO2 measured via a lingual pulse oximeter probe averaged 92±3% in male cats and 90±4% in females. SpO2 fell below 90% at least once in most cats. MBP measured by oscillometry averaged 136±30 mm Hg in males and 113±29 mm Hg in females. MBP increased at the onset of surgical stimulation suggesting incomplete anti-nociceptive properties. HR averaged 156±19 bpm, and RR averaged 18±8 bpm. Neither parameter varied between males and females or over time. Body temperature decreased significantly over time, declining to 38.0±0.8 °C at the time of reversal in males and 36.6±0.8 °C at the time of reversal in females. Time from anesthetic reversal to sternal recumbency was prolonged (72±42 min). Seven cats (8%) required an additional dose of TKX to maintain an adequate plane of anesthesia at the onset of surgery, and this was associated with significantly longer recovery times (108±24 min).