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Ketamine

Ketaset, Vetalar

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Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Anesthetic

Routes

IVIM

Indications

Anaesthesia (with xylazine)analgesia adjunctanesthesiaanesthesia inductionAnesthetic inductionAnesthetic induction (with sedative)CRIFeral cat trap-neuter-return (TNR)Field sedationInduction of general anesthesiaPre-medication (with midazolam)Refractory status epilepticusRestraintSedationSedation and immobilizationSedation/restraintSedation/restraint (with sedative)Short-duration anesthesia

Mechanism of Action

NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociative anesthesia. Provides somatic analgesia, amnesia, and catalepsy while maintaining pharyngeal reflexes.

Side effects & warnings

Increases intracranial and intraocular pressure. Causes increased salivation (premedicate with anticholinergic). Eyes remain open under anesthesia — use lubricant. Do NOT use alone in dogs/cats (muscle rigidity) — combine with a sedative.

Species with Ketamine dosing data (45 dose rules)

African Grey ParrotAfrican Pygmy HedgehogBall PythonBearded DragonCat (Domestic)Cattle (Beef/Dairy)Dog (Domestic)FerretGoat (Caprine)Guinea PigHorse (Equine)Pet RatRabbit (Domestic)Sheep (Ovine)Swine (Pig)

Controlled Substance

Controlled substance

Evidence levels across 45 dose rules

Moderate×27Strong×17Weak×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 5 published primary sources

  • · Carpenter 6e
  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · ExoticRx 2026 (rat dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Ketamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.

  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)

    CRI for somatic analgesia

    ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)

    CRI for somatic analgesia

    ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 45 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 15 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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