Nationwide Trends in Anesthetic and Analgesic Protocols for Spay-Neuter Clinics: A Survey of Practices and Preferences in the United States

Introduction: The advancement of spay-neuter procedures has been vital to the reduction of euthanized dogs and cats. Even though many spay-neuter clinics and shelters have adopted anesthesia protocols that align with best practices, there is currently little published data reporting trends among these clinics in the United States. The aim of this study was to document the most commonly used spay-neuter anesthetic/analgesic protocols. Methods: In 2017, a voluntary, anonymous web-based survey was distributed to shelters/clinics through the high quality, high volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) veterinarians’ listserv and the ASV listserv. Results: One hundred and six facilities participated in the survey spanning 36 states in the United States. The most commonly used canine anesthesia premedication was acepromazine paired with an opioid, with acepromazine/hydromorphone and acepromazine/butorphanol representing 26% (24/91), and 23% (23/91) of the responses, respectively. Ketamine/midazolam was the most commonly used canine induction anesthetic representing 39% (35/91) of the responses. The most commonly used feline protocol was a total intramuscular anesthetic combination such as dexmedetomidine/ketamine/butorphanol (DKT) or Telazol/butorphanol/dexmedetomidine (TTDex) accounting for 39% (35/91) and 33% (30/91) of the responses, respectively. The majority of respondents administered an injectable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to their canine and feline patients at 63% (67/106) and 59% (63/106)), respectively. Only 26% (25/98) of respondents used to-go-home (TGH) medications and only 40% (41/102) of respondents used local anesthetics. Overall protocol satisfaction was 86% (59/66). Conclusion: This survey identified that across a wide range of spay-neuter clinics there exists significant trends with regards to anesthetic and analgesic protocols.