Ketoprofen reduces the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in dogs anaesthetized with isoflurane and fentanyl

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may potentiate the opioid induced reduction in volatile anaesthetic requirements (Gomez de Segura et al. 1998). This study determined the reduction in the MAC of isoflurane (ISO) produced by ketoprofen (KETO) in dogs anaesthetized with fentanyl (FENT) and ISO. Six healthy female crossbred dogs, weighing 13.5 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) kg and aged 3.0 ± 0.9 years were studied. Approval of the study was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Anaesthesia was induced in all dogs via a facemask with 5% ISO in 5 L minute−1 oxygen. The dogs' trachea were intubated and lungs were ventilated to maintain normocapnia (Pe′CO2 4.7–6 kPa, 35–45 mm Hg). A heating pad was used to maintain body temperature. The animals were anaesthetized four times at one week intervals with the following anaesthetic and analgesic protocols randomly administered. Study 1, MAC (ISO); Isoflurane MAC. Study 2, MAC (ISO + FENT); dogs anaesthetized with ISO received a loading dose of 30 µg kg−1 FENT IV over 20 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2 µg kg−1 minute−1 FENT. Study 3, MAC (ISO + FENT + KETO1); as study 2 plus 1 mg kg−1 KETO. Study 4, MAC (ISO + FENT + KETO2); as study 2 plus 2 mg kg−1 KETO. The MAC was determined in duplicate by applying a standard electrical stimulus (50 V, 50 H2 over 60 seconds via two needles placed SC over the tarsus). The stimulus was applied 15 minutes after every step change in anesthetic concentration. The Wilcoxon test was applied to data to determine significant differences among MAC measurements. Fentanyl significantly decreased MAC (ISO) from 1.27% ± 0.02% to 0.73% ± 0.08%, a reduction of 42% (p < 0.05). Ketoprofen 1 mg kg−1 further decreased the MAC value (although not statistically significantly) with a reduction of 47% from MAC (ISO) (0.67% ± 0.13%) and 8% from MAC (ISO + FENT). When KETO 2 mg kg−1 was given, the reduction in MAC was 50% compared to MAC (ISO) (0.63% ± 0.08%; p < 0.05) and 14% compared to MAC (ISO + FENT) p < 0.05. Administration of KETO further reduces MAC (ISO) compared to levels observed with FENT alone. The observed reduction may have clinical advantages.