Propofol is an injectable medication which is often used as an intravenous anesthetic in various types of pets. Also known as Diprivan®, Rapinovet® and Propoflo®, plus many other brand names, propofol has recently received attention in the popular press in relation to the death of popular musician Michael Jackson.
Propofol (Diprivan®) in Anesthesia in Pets
Propofol (Diprivan®) has been used to induce and maintain anesthesia in:
- dogs
- cats
- rabbits
- rodents
- other pocket pets
- iguanas
- snakes
- tortoises
Propofol is labeled for usage in dogs in:
- inducing anesthesia
- maintaining anesthesia for periods of twenty minutes or less
- inducing anesthesia in cases where maintaining anesthesia is accomplished by gas inhalant anesthetics
Propofol is generally considered safe for use in animals with renal or hepatic disease and can also be used safely in most instances of mild to moderate heart disease with appropriate monitoring and support. However, propofol must be used with caution in pets which are severely stressed or traumatized, pets which have a history of allergic reactions or seizures, and pets which have low blood protein levels or elevated levels of lipids in their bloodstream.
Other Uses of Propofol
Propofol is also used in lower, sub-clinical dosages to provide sedation and a lack of awareness of the pet's surroundings to facilitate restraint and examination as necessary for frightened and/or feral animals.
In addition, propofol is also used to control the seizure activity associated with status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity).
Propofol is also currently being investigated as a potential appetite stimulant in dogs when used in low dosages, according to the propofol drug monogram in the fifth edition of Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook.
Side Effects of Propofol
Propofol does have the potential for side effects and needs to be monitored closely when used in the clinical setting. One of the most common side effects seen is a depression of the respiratory system. Usually, this depression is tolerable, but apnea (the lack of spontaneous breathing) can occur when propofol is administered intravenously in a rapid fashion. For this reason, respiratory support in the form of endotracheal intubation (placing a tube into the airway to facilitate breathing) and oxygen supplementation may be necessary when using propofol in an injectable anesthetic protocol.
In addition, histamine release causing an allergic type of reaction is also seen on occasion with propofol.
Seizure-like activity can be seen with propofol during the induction phase of anesthesia as well. This seizure activity may require additional medications, such as diazepam, to counteract the effect. Propofol is noted for having both seizure-causing and anticonvulsant effects.
Propofol may also have some effects on the pet's heart. Hypotension (low blood pressure) may be seen with propofol and monitoring blood pressure may be necessary to detect and treat this side effect. Bradycardia (a slowing of the heart rate) may also be seen with propofol usage in an anesthetic protocol and necessitates monitoring of patient heart rate and rhythm.
While repeated usage of propofol in dogs appears to be safe, repeated use in cats has caused symptoms such as damage to red blood cells, delayed recovery from anesthesia, lack of appetite, depression, lethargy and diarrhea.
Other Medications Commonly Used With Propofol
A variety of other medications are commonly used together with propofol in a balanced anesthetic protocol for a pet. As mentioned previously, propofol is often used as an induction agent, placing the pet in a plane of anesthesia adequate to allow tracheal intubation (placing a tube into the airway of the pet) and faciliatating the administration of gas inhalant anesthetics, such as halothane, isofluorane, or sevefluorane.
Propofol produces little, if any, pain relief. Pain relievers in the form of opiate medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or other types of pain relievers are often used in combination with propofol.
Anti-depressant medications and anxiolytic medications are also frequently used in conjunction with propofol as well.
Propofol (Diprivan®, Rapinovet®, Propoflo®) is generally considered to be a safe form of anesthesia and is widely used as an injectable, intravenous form of anesthesia or sedation in dogs, cats and other pets. However, propofol does have the potential for side effects, making adequate monitoring and appropriate supportive care essential to the use of propofol in the clinical setting. Propofol is rarely, if ever, used outside of the hospital/clinic setting and is generally not dispensed for home use in pets.
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