Determination of a safe sedative combination of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and butorphanol for minor procedures in dogs by use of a stepwise optimization method

Table 2 Overview of all combinations

Combination	dexmedetomidine, mg/kg	ketamine, mg/kg	butorphanol, mg/kg
A	0.002	4	0.3
B	0.004	3	0.3
C	0.006	2	0.3
D	0.008	1	0.3
E	0.010	5	0.3
F	0.004	6	0.3
G	0.008	3	0.3
H	0.010	2	0.3
J	0.005	0	0.3
K	0.006	1	0.3
L’	0.004	0	0.3
L	0.005	1	0.3
M’	0.002	0	0.3
M	0.004	1	0.3
L₂	0.005	1	0.3
L₃	0.005	1	0.3

The empirically chosen combinations A-H were analyzed in phase 1. Combinations J-M were calculated during the stepwise optimization procedure. Combinations L’ and M’ were rejected without testing because the ketamine dosage was zero and the dexmedetomidine dosage was lower than in combination J, which had been tested but rejected due to insufficient sedation. L₃ was tested in 100 animals without comparison to other combinations

ISSN: 1751-0147