Vet Anaesth Analg. 2025 Sep 8:S1467-2987(25)00218-1. doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2025.09.002. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the anesthetic and analgesic protocols and techniques used in cats undergoing elective neutering in Ontario, Canada and to obtain veterinarians’ opinions regarding their choices.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.
ANIMALS: Client-owned cats undergoing elective neutering in Ontario, Canada.
METHODS: A confidential mixed-mode survey about anesthetic and analgesic management practices used in client-owned cats undergoing elective neutering was distributed to veterinarians (n = 2921) working in companion animal practice in Ontario. Descriptive statistics were generated. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between demographic factors and protocols. Chi-square analysis was used to compare protocols used in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) versus castration.
RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-one individuals (14.8%) completed the survey. Most respondents used a sedative before induction of anesthesia (OVH: 368/387; 95.1% and castration 360/381; 94.5%) and gave an opioid and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug perioperatively (OVH: 379/381; 99.7% and castration: 379/382; 99.2%). Respondents placed an intravenous catheter and performed orotracheal intubation more frequently in cats undergoing OVH (catheter: 366/387; 94.6% and intubation: 379/386; 98.2%) compared with castration (catheter: 219/380; 57.6% and intubation: 166/375; 44.3%) (p < 0.001). Respondents more closely followed current anesthesia guidelines relative to their peers if they: graduated during or after 2000, were women, performed 1-10 OVHs per week, worked in an urban setting, in a companion animal practice, with three or more veterinarians or three to five registered veterinary technicians. Most respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with their current anesthetic drug protocol for cats undergoing elective OVH (396/412; 96.1%) and castration (386/413; 93.4%).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most veterinarians in Ontario who participated in the survey follow many of the current guidelines regarding anesthetic and analgesia management practices for cats undergoing elective neutering. Anesthetic protocols varied with respondent demographics; however, most respondents were satisfied with their choices.
PMID:41015686 | DOI:10.1016/j.vaa.2025.09.002
