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Ketamine

CDSCO approved
Dissociative anaesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
5 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Non-competitively blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anaesthesia with catalepsy, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining protective reflexes

At a glance

Class
Dissociative anaesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist)
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light. Schedule X controlled substance in India.
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1975-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Induction (with diazepam/midazolam)
Dose
3–7 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Single dose (with benzodiazepine)
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: Single induction dose; always combine with benzodiazepine or alpha-2 agonist
CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic)
Dose
2–20 mcg/kg/min
Route
IV CRI
Frequency
Continuous infusion
Max dose
20 mcg/kg/min
Duration: Intra-operative and up to 24h post-op
🐈

Cat

Induction (with diazepam/midazolam)
Dose
3–7 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Single dose (with benzodiazepine)
Max dose
50 mg
Duration: Always combine with sedative/benzodiazepine
Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM)
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
50 mg
Duration: 20-40 min anaesthesia; reverse medetomidine with atipamezole

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 2

Strength
50mg/mL
Available in India
Strength
100mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Schedule X controlled substance in India.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Head trauma / raised intracranial pressure
    Ketamine increases intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure
  • Open globe injuries
    Increases intraocular pressure — risk of expelling intraocular contents

Use with caution

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats)
    Sympathomimetic effects increase heart rate and afterload — use with caution
  • Seizure history
    Controversial — may lower seizure threshold; always combine with benzodiazepine

Adverse effects

Common
Increased salivation
Muscle rigidity
Apneustic breathing
Nystagmus
Serious
Emergence delirium/dysphoria
Seizures (rare — more common without benzodiazepine)
Hypertension
Tachycardia

Monitoring parameters

Heart rateBlood pressureSpO2Respiratory patternMuscle toneRecovery quality

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Xylazine
moderate
Standard sedation/anesthesia combination. Xylazine provides sedation and analgesia; ketamine provides dissociative anesthesia. Additive cardiovascular effects — xylazine causes bradycardia while ketamine increases sympathetic tone.
Management: Common clinical combination. Adjust doses based on intended effect. Monitor heart rate. Xylazine reversible with yohimbine or atipamezole.
Detomidine
moderate
Same pharmacological combination as dexmedetomidine/medetomidine + ketamine. Synergistic sedation.
Management: Standard combination (primarily equine but used off-label in small animals). Monitor cardiovascular parameters.

Minor — 3

Diazepam
minor
Intentional combination: diazepam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity
Management: Standard and recommended combination for anaesthesia induction. Calculate doses separately.
Dexmedetomidine
minor
Synergistic sedation/anaesthesia; intended combination for balanced anaesthesia
Management: Reduce ketamine dose by 50% when combined with dexmedetomidine. Monitor cardiovascular function.
Midazolam
minor
Intentional combination; midazolam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity
Management: Standard and recommended combination for sedation/anaesthesia.

Brands

International

Ketalar
Pfizer
Ketamil
Ilium

India

Aneket
Neon Labs
Ketamax
Troikaa

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic (nmda receptor antagonist) used in pets. Non-competitively blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anaesthesia with catalepsy, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining protective reflexes
›What is Ketamine used for in pets?
Ketamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Induction (with diazepam/midazolam); CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic); Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM).
›What is the Ketamine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ketamine is typically dosed as follows — Induction (with diazepam/midazolam): 3–7 mg/kg IV Single dose (with benzodiazepine); CRI for analgesia (sub-anaesthetic): 2–20 mcg/kg/min IV CRI Continuous infusion. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ketamine dose for cats?
For cats, Ketamine is typically dosed as follows — Induction (with diazepam/midazolam): 3–7 mg/kg IV Single dose (with benzodiazepine); Chemical restraint (with medetomidine IM): 5–10 mg/kg IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Ketamine?
Common: Increased salivation, Muscle rigidity, Apneustic breathing, Nystagmus. Serious (call your vet immediately): Emergence delirium/dysphoria, Seizures (rare — more common without benzodiazepine), Hypertension, Tachycardia.
›Does Ketamine need a prescription?
Ketamine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Ketamine not be used?
Do not use Ketamine if: Head trauma / raised intracranial pressure; Open globe injuries.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →