Propofol, a popular intravenous anesthetic, is known for its rapid onset and smooth induction, making it a go-to choice for veterinarians during procedures requiring anesthesia in dogs. But how does it affect heart function? A new study sheds light on this important question by evaluating the effects of propofol on hemodynamic variables in dogs using echocardiography.

The Study: Assessing Propofol’s Impact on Canine Heart Function This prospective clinical study aimed to investigate whether the use of propofol alone during anesthetic induction affects the heart health of dogs. The study involved 12 healthy dogs, each of which received propofol at a dosage of 3 mg/kg per minute for anesthetic induction. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed both immediately before the induction (MB) and immediately after (MI), once the anesthetic agent was no longer administered.

Key Findings: Minimal Changes in Heart Function The study's results were reassuring, demonstrating that propofol had only a slight effect on certain heart variables:

• Ejection Fraction (EF%): A small but statistically significant reduction was noted, dropping from 70% to 65% after induction (p=0.011).

• Doppler Ejection Index (DEI): Similarly, the DEI saw a decrease, from 27.1 mL/beat/m² to 22.4 mL/beat/m² (p=0.044).

• Heart Rate and Other Variables: Despite these slight changes, the heart rate and other hemodynamic variables remained stable and showed no significant differences between the pre- and post-induction evaluations.

Conclusion: Propofol Is a Safe Choice for Anesthetic Induction The study concluded that propofol is a safe anesthetic-inducing agent for dogs, maintaining stable hemodynamic indices when used at the tested rate. While some changes in ejection fraction and DEI were observed, they were minimal and not clinically concerning.

Clinical Relevance: A Reliable Anesthetic Option for Dogs Veterinarians can be confident in the use of propofol for anesthetic induction in dogs, as this study supports its safety and effectiveness with minimal impact on heart function. For those seeking a reliable and smooth anesthetic experience, propofol remains a top choice, providing a fast-acting solution with stable hemodynamic outcomes.

This study reinforces propofol's reputation as a safe and effective anesthetic in veterinary medicine, particularly when a rapid and controlled induction is required.

Read full study here: Hemodynamic Assessment via Echocardiography During Propofol Anesthetic Induction in Healthy Dogs