Comparison of Clinical Effects of Propofol-Sevoflurane, Midazolam-Sevoflurane and Medetomidine-Ketamine-Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Rabbits

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of propofol-sevoflurane (PS), midazolam-sevoflurane (MS), and medetomidine-ketamine-sevoflurane (MKS) anesthesia protocols in rabbits and to propose a safe and controlled alternative inhalation anesthesia technique using the endotracheal intubation method. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 white New Zealand rabbits (5 females and 5 males randomly selected per group) divided into three groups. In the PS group, propofol 7 mg/kg IV was administered; in the MS group, midazolam 0.3 mg/kg IM; and in the MKS group, medetomidine 0.3 mg/kg IM followed by ketamine 30 mg/kg IM. Subsequently, all groups received sevoflurane at 4% with 500 ml/kg/min oxygen. In all groups, anesthesia induction time, chewing reflex time (extubation time), righting reflex time, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and peripheral arterial hemoglobin saturation were determined. Results: During anesthesia, decreases in heart rate and body temperature were observed in all groups. Respiratory rate decreased during the first 30 minutes of anesthesia but increased again after the 45th minute. Conclusion: For both clinical and experimental procedures in rabbits, the propofol-sevoflurane combination is considered appropriate for less painful and short-term interventions, while the medetomidine-ketamine-sevoflurane combination is recommended for highly painful and long-term procedures.