Continuous infusion of propofol or intermittent bolus of tiletamine-zolazepam in feline night monkeys (Aotus infulatus)

Abstract

Background Although commonly used, dissociative anesthesia results inunsatisfactory and long recovery periods. The intravenous anesthetic propofol seems to be the most advantageous solution. The objectives of this study were to investigate the required infusion rate of propofol to maintain surgical anesthesia and to compare it to tiletamine-zolazepam in Aotus infulatus. Methods Eight healthy feline night monkeys were anesthetized with propofol (PRO) or tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) during 60 minutes. Cardiopulmonary parameters, arterial blood gases and lactate and quality and times to recovery were determined.Results Mean infusion rate of propofol was 0.53 0.10 mg/kg/minute. Cardiopulmonary effects did not show marked differences between groups.Times for hanging, ventral recumbency, and normal ambulation were lowerin PRO. Establishment of desirable anesthetic depth was easier, recoveryquality was superior, and lactate levels were lower in PRO. Conclusions Compared with tiletamine-zolazepam, minor post-anesthetic adverse events should be expected with propofol anesthesia, as well as faster and better anesthetic recovery.