MDose · Veterinary drug reference
KETAMINE
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications8
Restraint, sole anesthetic for minor procedures
CatOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Restraint, sole anesthetic for minor procedures — Authorized (FDA)
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Anesthesia (combination protocols), adjunctive NMDA-mediated analgesia
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia (combination protocols), adjunctive NMDA-mediated analgesia — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Field anesthesia induction (after xylazine sedation)
HorseExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Field anesthesia induction (after xylazine sedation) — Extra-label
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols
CattleRabbitAvianFerretExotic / small mammalExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)5 source records · View provenance
- Cattle · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols — Extra-label
- Rabbit · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols — Extra-label
- Avian · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols — Extra-label
- Ferret · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols — Extra-label
- Exotic / small mammal · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols — Extra-label
- Cattle · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens7
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects206
Pain on IM injection — Common (low pH)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Hypersalivation, emesis, vocalization — Common
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Seizures/myoclonic jerking — Up to 20% of cats at therapeutic doses
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Hyperthermia — Documented
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
↑ HR, ↑ BP, ↑ myocardial O2 demand — Sympathetic stimulation
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Death304 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, ANESTHESIA246 reports
- Vomiting196 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS144 reports
- Cardiac arrest133 reports
- Anorexia129 reports
- Seizure NOS126 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')110 reports
- Bradycardia108 reports
- Death by euthanasia105 reports
- Convulsion101 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, SEDATION99 reports
Cat
- Death853 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, ANESTHESIA565 reports
- Cardiac arrest292 reports
- Apnoea254 reports
- Fever251 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS239 reports
- Recovery prolonged239 reports
- Ataxia236 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS185 reports
- Anorexia184 reports
- Not eating175 reports
- Hyperactivity168 reports
Monitoring1
Heart rate, respiration, depth of anesthesia; eyes remain open — apply ophthalmic lubricant to prevent corneal drying
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Prior hypersensitivity; not for use alone as sole general anesthetic for major surgery (poor muscle relaxation); food-producing animals; head trauma/↑ICP
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions5
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats — avoid ↑HR/BP); glaucoma/open globe injury; seizure disorders; significant blood loss (reduce dose); hyperthyroidism
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cats' eyes stay open under ketamine — always apply ophthalmic lubricant and protect corneas.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Avoid as sole agent in cats with (suspected) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — sympathetic stimulation can precipitate decompensation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Minimize handling/noise during recovery to reduce emergence reactions, but continue vital-sign monitoring.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Almost always used in combination (with a benzodiazepine, alpha-2 agonist, or opioid) rather than alone — improves muscle relaxation and smooths recovery.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Chloramphenicol (parenteral) — May prolong ketamine anesthesia
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CNS depressants (narcotics, barbiturates, diazepam) — Prolong recovery
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Halothane — May prolong recovery, blunt ketamine's cardiac stimulatory effects
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Thyroid hormones — Additive hypertension/tachycardia risk (human data)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Protein binding — ~53% (dog); 37–53% (cat); ~50% (horse)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~1h (cat, calf, horse); 60–90 min (dog)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic — demethylation, hydroxylation
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Renal
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category C. Papich canine/feline pregnancy class B (safe if used cautiously). No specific lactation data.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 691–694; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 427–429 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references9
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- A ketamine/methionine exposure paradigm, alone or combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, assessing schizophrenia-relevant behavioral, oxidative stress, and molecular endpoints in adult zebrafish.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Protective Effects of Virgin Olive Oil Against Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity: Evidence from Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Restoration of Antioxidant Enzyme Activities.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Application of physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling to guide oral ketamine prescription in analgesic doses.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Effectiveness and safety of repeat dose subcutaneous ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, and the impact of prior ketamine treatment: open label extension of the KADS study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- The Effect of Ketamine, Xylazine, and Ketamine/Xylazine Administration on SCN5A (Nav1.5) Gene Expression in Pigeons.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.
Available products
Products listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for this active ingredient. A listing does not establish that a product is authorized for the clinical uses described on this page.