Ketamine

What is this medication for?

• Restraint, sole anesthetic for minor procedures
• Anesthesia (combination protocols), adjunctive NMDA-mediated analgesia
• Field anesthesia induction (after xylazine drowsiness)
• Anesthesia/restraint per exotics & livestock protocols

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

• Cats' eyes stay open under ketamine — always apply ophthalmic lubricant and protect corneas.
• Almost always used in combination (with a benzodiazepine, alpha-2 agonist, or opioid) rather than alone — improves muscle relaxation and smooths recovery.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Pain on into a muscle injection (Common (low pH))
• Hypersalivation, emesis, vocalization (Common)
• Hyperthermia (Documented)
• ↑ HR, ↑ BP, ↑ myocardial O2 demand (Sympathetic stimulation)
• Erratic/prolonged recovery, dysphoria (Especially without adequate premedication)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Seizures/myoclonic jerking (Up to 20% of cats at therapeutic doses)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Prior hypersensitivity; not for use alone as sole general anesthetic for major surgery (poor muscle relaxation); food-producing animals; head trauma/↑ICP
• has or has had: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats — avoid ↑HR/BP); glaucoma/open globe injury; seizure disorders; significant blood loss (reduce dose); hyperthyroidism

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Chloramphenicol (parenteral)
  • CNS depressants (narcotics, barbiturates, diazepam)
  • Halothane
  • Thyroid hormones

Storage and handling

Room temperature, protect from light. Acidic pH (~3.5) — do not mix with alkalinizing solutions (precipitation risk). Compatible 1:1 with propofol in same syringe.

Good to know

• Cats' eyes stay open under ketamine — always apply ophthalmic lubricant and protect corneas.
• Avoid as sole agent in cats with (suspected) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — sympathetic stimulation can precipitate decompensation.
• Minimize handling/noise during recovery to reduce emergence reactions, but continue vital-sign monitoring.
• Almost always used in combination (with a benzodiazepine, alpha-2 agonist, or opioid) rather than alone — improves muscle relaxation and smooths recovery.