Effect of Xylazine-Ketamine Anesthesia on Blood ACTH, Cortisol, Adrenaline, Insulin and Glucose in Ovariohysterectomized Cats

A study has been carried out with fourteen healthy mature cats in order to determine the effect of a xylazine-ketamine anesthetic protocol （group X/K） on blood concentrations of adrenaline, ACTH （adrenocorticotropic hormone）, cortisol, insulin and glucose in comparison with a control group （group K--no anesthesia and surgery）. The animals were randomly allocated in two groups （n = 7）. The premeditation in the experimental group was made with xylazine 2 mg/kg intramuscularly. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were made with ketamine 10 mg/kg intramuscularly. Ovariohysterectomy was performed upon occurrence of deep anesthesia. Blood specimens were obtained at 0, 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h from the two groups. Pronounced decrease in blood ACTH, cortisol, and adrenaline in group X/K was determined by the 30 min. Significant hyperglycemia together with hyperinsulinemia in the X/K group was established at the 120 min from the beginning of the anesthesia. Anesthesia with xylazine and ketamine led to reduction of the blood levels of stress hormones immediately after the beginning of anesthesia and caused a remarkable hyperglycemia with hyperinsulinemia.