Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Fizzano, Kristen M.

Committee Member

Lee, Alison

Committee Member

Seitz, Marc

Committee Member

Thomason, John

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (Veterinary Medical Research)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Veterinary Medicine

Department

Department of Clinical Sciences

Abstract

The sonographic effects of alfaxalone and butorphanol alone and in combination on feline splenic size, shape, margins, echogenicity, echotexture, and blood flow were investigated. In this randomized, prospective crossover study, 8 healthy adult cats were injected with alfaxalone 2.0 mg/kg IM, butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg IM, and each drug in combination. Splenic ultrasounds were performed before drug administration, then every 15 minutes for 1 hour. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and feline multiparametric sedation scores (FMSS) were recorded. Following at least a 7-day washout period, cats switched groups and the study was repeated. An increase in splenic size and no significant changes to other appearance parameters occurred for all protocols compared to baseline, with no significant difference between treatments. Alfaxalone alone increased FMSS but resulted in aggression in 1 cat. Alfaxalone with butorphanol provided the best quality sedation and may be used in cats for ultrasound without significant changes to splenic appearance.

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