Equine · Equus caballus · typical adult weight 350.00–700.00 kg
Ketamine is used in horse for Induction of general anesthesia. Routes documented in horse: IV. A typical adult horse weighs 350.00–700.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ketamine in horse, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Ketaset, Vetalar
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 2.2 mg/kg | single dose after sedation | Induction of general anesthesia | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociative anesthesia. Provides somatic analgesia, amnesia, and catalepsy while maintaining pharyngeal reflexes.
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.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for horse may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Ketamine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in horse — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.