Question 1

What is Ketamine used for?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine is indicated for: Anaesthesia (with xylazine), analgesia adjunct, anesthesia, anesthesia induction, Anesthetic induction, Anesthetic induction (with sedative), CRI, Feral cat trap-neuter-return (TNR), Field sedation, Induction of general anesthesia, Pre-medication (with midazolam), Refractory status epilepticus, Restraint, Sedation, Sedation and immobilization, Sedation/restraint, Sedation/restraint (with sedative), Short-duration anesthesia.

Question 2

What routes can Ketamine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Ketamine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 15 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Cattle (Beef/Dairy), Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Goat (Caprine), Guinea Pig, Horse (Equine), Pet Rat, Rabbit (Domestic), Sheep (Ovine), Swine (Pig).

Question 4

Is Ketamine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Ketamine is a controlled substance under US federal law.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Ketamine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Ketamine: 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.

Question 7

How does Ketamine work?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What is the constant rate infusion (CRI) dose for Ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine has 2 CRI dose rules in the ExoticRx formulary, covering Dog (Domestic), Cat (Domestic). See the CRI section on this page for routes, dose ranges, and primary-source citations.

Species	Route	Rate	Indication	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)	CRI for somatic analgesia	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	IV	0.1–0.5 mg/kgper hour (CRI)	CRI for somatic analgesia	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.1–0.5 mg/kg	per hour (CRI)	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	IV	0.1–0.5 mg/kg	per hour (CRI)	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Ketamine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Ketamine dosing data (28 dose rules)

Controlled Substance

Evidence levels across 28 dose rules

Backed by 5 published sources

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Sample dosing (2 of 28 cited rules)

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Other formulations of Ketamine