Zolazepam/Tiletamine

Zolazepam/Tiletamine
In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Zolazepam, similar to diazepam, increases the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).
• Tiletamine, akin to ketamine, blocks glutamic acid receptors.

Uses of Zolazepam/Tiletamine

• Used for general anaesthesia in dogs and cats.

Dose of Zolazepam/Tiletamine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 5–10 mg/kg i.v.; 7–25 mg/kg i.m. depending on the degree of pain expected and the depth of anaesthesia required.
• Dose refers to the tiletamine/zolazepam combination (100 mg/ml when properly reconstituted).

Cats:

• 5–7.5 mg/kg i.v.; 10–15 mg/kg i.m. depending on the degree of pain expected and the depth of anaesthesia required.
• Dose refers to the tiletamine/zolazepam combination (100 mg/ml when properly
  reconstituted).

Side Effects of Zolazepam/Tiletamine in Dogs and Cats

• Injection may sometimes cause pain in cats.

Contraindications of Zolazepam/Tiletamine in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid using the product in animals with severe cardiac, respiratory, or hypertensive conditions, as well as renal, pancreatic, or hepatic insufficiency.
• Also, please refrain from using it in animals with head trauma or intracranial tumours.
• The product crosses the placenta, and its use in pregnant animals can lead to respiratory depression in newborn puppies and kittens, which can be fatal.

Some Notes:

• Zolazepam, similar to diazepam, exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle-relaxing effects.
• Tiletamine induces dissociative anaesthesia, depressing certain brain regions such as the thalamus and cortex while keeping others, like the limbic system, active.
• The duration of anesthesia typically lasts 20–60 minutes depending on the dose used.
• This combined product should not be the sole anaesthetic agent for painful surgeries; it should be supplemented with an appropriate analgesic.
• After anesthesia, the return to normal consciousness is gradual, lasting 2–6 hours in a calm environment. Recovery may be slower in obese, elderly, or debilitated animals.
• Remove any anti-parasitic collars 24 hours before anesthesia.
• Excessive salivation may occur after administration, which can be managed with anticholinergic drugs.
• Muscle rigidity during recovery is common.
• Higher doses are more likely to result in a prolonged and excitable recovery in dogs.
• Premedication has been shown to improve the smoothness of recovery after tiletamine/zolazepam administration.
• Cats generally take longer to recover from anaesthesia with tiletamine/zolazepam compared to dogs.
• Pre-medication with phenothiazine tranquilizers like acepromazine can intensify cardiorespiratory depression and enhance the hypothermic effect experienced in the final stage of anesthesia.
• Avoid using medications containing chloramphenicol before or during surgery, as they can delay the elimination of anesthetics.