Vetdrugs 2.0Sevoflurane is a halogenated volatile anesthetic used for veterinary general anesthesia. Its low blood solubility permits relatively rapid changes in anesthetic depth and contributes to rapid recovery after discontinuation. It is used in dogs, cats and other species within inhalational or balanced anesthesia protocols, including selected mask-induction situations.
Group
Inhalant anesthetic
Mechanism of Action
Sevoflurane produces reversible central nervous system depression through multiple neuronal targets. Enhancement of inhibitory GABA-A and glycine signaling, effects on potassium channels and suppression of excitatory transmission contribute to unconsciousness and immobility. Effective tissue partial pressure governs anesthetic depth. Low blood solubility allows alveolar and brain concentrations to change relatively quickly as delivery changes.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Inspired concentration: induction 8%, maintenance 3-6%, titrated to depth. MAC values are approximately 2.36% in dogs and 2.58% in cats. Percent vapor is not a mass dose. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Inspired concentration: induction 8%, maintenance 3-6%, titrated to depth. MAC values are approximately 2.36% in dogs and 2.58% in cats. Percent vapor is not a mass dose. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General anesthesia | Reference only | INHALATION | Reported MAC approximately 2.31%; this is a population anesthetic potency measure, not a fixed maintenance setting. |
Indications
- Inhalational induction of general anesthesia in selected veterinary patients.
- Maintenance of general anesthesia during surgery or diagnostic procedures in dogs, cats and other veterinary species.
Contraindications
- Use a suitable calibrated vaporizer and anesthesia monitoring.
Adverse effects
- Dose-dependent cardiorespiratory depression; degradation products may pose renal risk.
Toxicity
Discontinue vapor delivery, secure the airway and support ventilation/oxygenation and circulation after excessive anesthetic depth.
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor ventilation, oxygenation, heart rhythm and blood pressure; adjust vapor concentration to depth. Keep volatile liquid in an approved sealed container.
Canine sevoflurane mask-induction alternative is up to 7% in oxygen; maintenance about 3.7-4% without premedication or 3.3-3.6% with premedication. Circle/non-rebreathing settings depend on fresh-gas flow and coagents; do not equate vaporizer dial with a fixed mg dose. Additional reported MAC values: sheep 3.3%, pigs 1.97-2.66%; MAC is not a prescribed dose.
Replace desiccated CO2 absorbent: sevoflurane can react exothermically and produce degradation products. Use a sevoflurane-calibrated precision vaporizer with continuous airway and ventilation support capability.