Ketamine for dogs is a medication used to sedate before anesthesia, but it can also be used to control pain. Ketamine works by interfering with the central nervous system and inducing sedation. It is similar to phencyclidine and belongs to a group of drugs known as the dissociative hypnotics. Ketamine provides anesthesia to the body to reduce pain, induce unconsciousness, and relax the muscles.
The effects of ketamine work quickly, producing results in as little as 1 minute after injection. Ketamine is almost always injected into the veins or muscles, but may be sprayed directly into the eyes or mouth for dogs that are unable to be restrained. Spraying the drug into the mouth or eyes will not damage the areas.
Ketamine is a controlled substance in many states due to the fact that it has the potential to be abused or used for the wrong reasons. Ketamine must be obtained by prescription from a veterinarian, as it is not available over the counter.
Possible Side Effects of Ketamine for Dogs
Like most drugs, ketamine carries the slight risk of a few side effects in some animals. Ketamine is generally a very safe and effective drug for most dogs, but there may be a few animals who may experience certain reactions to the drug.
Animals suffering from the following conditions should not be given ketamine:
- Hypersensitivity or allergies to the drug
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Hypertension
- Seizures
- Head trauma or injury
- Eye injuries
- Trachea, larynx, or pharynx conditions
Ketamine should never be used as the only form of anesthesia, as it does not provide sufficient muscle relaxation. It must be combined with other forms of anesthesia to work properly. Ketamine can interfere or interact with certain medications such as thyroid medications, narcotics, halothane, diazepam, or chloramphenicol, so it is best to inform your veterinarian of any other drugs and medications your pet is taking before giving ketamine.
Adverse Effects of ketamine for dogs may include the following:
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory problems
- Muscle tremors
- Random or spastic bodily movements
- Erratic recovery
- Vocalization
- Seizures (very rare)
Because ketamine is an anesthetic drug, it will make the eyes remain open and unable to blink after it has been administered. Lubricants and eye drops should be used to prevent excessive drying of the eye or damage. If ketamine is injected intramuscularly, it can be very painful for the animal.
Ketamine Supply Information
Ketamine for dogs can only be purchased if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Ketamine is generally available in 100 mg/ml concentration 5 or 10 ml bottles. It may also be available in 10 mg/ml concentration or 50 mg/ml concentration.
Ketamine for Dogs Dosage Information
Ketamine for dogs should only be used after consulting a veterinarian beforehand. Because ketamine is such a powerful drug, it is hardly ever sent with pet owners to be given at home. Transdermal patches may be sent home with pet owners, however, and this has become a popular form of pain relief.
Ketamine is almost always used in combination with other drugs to produce an anesthetic effect. It can be injected intravenously or intramuscularly, and the dosage amount will depend on various different factors such as size and weight of the animal.