Comparison of Anesthetic Efficacy of Intranasal Administration of Medetomidine / Ketamine and Diazepam / Ketamine Combinations on New Zealand White Rabbits

This study aimed to determine the anesthetic efficacy of intranasal medetomidine/ketamine and diazepam/ketamine combinations in New Zealand White rabbits. For this purpose, 12 adult New Zealand White rabbits weighing 2.3‐4.1 kg were used by randomly dividing the animals into two groups of six animals: Medetomidine ‐ Ketamine (MK) and Diazepam ‐ Ketamine (DK). Intranasally, medetomidine (0.2 mg kg‐1) and ketamine (10 mg kg‐1) combination was administered to the MK group and, diazepam (1 mg kg‐1) and ketamine (10 mg kg‐1) to the DK group. Before and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after anesthesia, loss, and recovery of the reflexes were evaluated. Onset and duration of the anesthesia, duration of the surgical anesthesia, and the total anesthesia time were also recorded. Loss and recovery time of reflexes was shorter in the DK group compared to the MK group. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and SpO2 decreased as expected in both groups but all parameters, especially SpO2, were lower in the MK group comparing the DK group. These results showed that both MK and DK combinations administered IN provide anesthesia in the time and depth that minor surgical procedures and clinical applications could be performed. Although it seems promising considering its practicality and anesthetic efficacy, it is clear that more detailed studies with more animals are needed before the safety of these protocols can be established.Their use, recommended for routine clinical procedures when considered SpO2, was severely decreased, especially in the MK group.