Comparison of the anesthetic effects between 5 mg/kg of alfaxalone and 10 mg/kg of propofol administered intravenously in cats

To compare the anesthetic effects after intravenous administration of alfaxalone or propofol without premedication, either alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) or propofol (10 mg/kg) was administered intravenously over 120 sec in 6 cats. Each cat received the alternate treatment at least a 7-day interval. Anesthetic effects (tolerance of intubation, behavior changes and neurodepressive score) and physiological parameters were evaluated. Both treatments produced a rapid loss of consciousness, no apnea, and physiological parameters were maintained within clinically acceptable ranges apart from transient hypoxemia. The degree of hypoxemia was greater after the propofol treatment compared with the alfaxalone treatment. During the recovery period, more adverse events (ataxia, muscular tremors) were observed after the alfaxalone treatment compared with the propofol treatment.