Introduction: Cats have difficulty in restraining and anesthetizing effectively unlike other animals. The present study was performed to investigate the anesthetic or analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (5V, 20-30Hz, 60min) and tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil, 10mg/kg, IM) in cats. Therefore, we examined blood chemistry (ALP, AST, ALT, glucose and total protein) and change of vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) according to the lapse of time.

Materials and Methods: Twelve cats were assigned at randomly to the control group Zoletil(tiletamine-zolazepam, TZ) and treatment group (electroacupuncture, EA). All cats were examined pre and 5, 25, 65, 105 minutes after administration of TZ or operation of EA.

Results: As a results, RT, HR, RR, ALP, AST, ALT and TP revealed significant difference between TZ and EA groups (p<0.05). Sternal recumbency time was 2 and 10 minutes in TZ and EA group, respectively. Lateral recumbency time was 4 and 18 minutes in TZ and EA group, respectively. When cats were recovered from the procedure, mean sternal recumbency time was 3.17±0.56 and 18.83±1.90 minutes in TZ and EA group, respectively. And mean standing position time was 202.00±15.65 and 73.00±6.07 minutes in TZ and EA group, respectively.

Conclusion: It was considered that EA group revealed very faster recovery than TZ group. So, EA may be used effectively in shock, debilitated cats, as compared to TZ.

References

1.  Ko JC et al. 1993. Lab Anim Sci. 1993. Lab Anim Sci 43:476-477.

2.  Raneim B et al. 1998. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 21:428-432.