VETINUITY
Can cats have propofol on consecutive days?
Repeated daily propofol in cats is linked to Heinz body formation and slower recoveries, so limit consecutive-day use and check a blood smear if it must be repeated.
● ANSWER
Sourced & dated
What is the propofol dose for dogs and cats?
Propofol induction is 2-4 mg/kg IV to effect in premedicated dogs (up to 6 mg/kg unpremedicated) and 2-6 mg/kg IV in cats, with a 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/min CRI for maintenance or refractory seizures.
● VETINUITY PROPOFOL DOSE CALCULATOR
Vetinuity propofol dose calculator
Propofol 10 mg/mL. Draw up the full induction dose, give a quarter every 15-30 seconds to effect.
● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED
Vetinuity’s propofol dose table: induce premedicated dogs with 2-4 mg/kg IV to effect (up to 6 mg/kg without premedication), induce cats with 2-6 mg/kg IV to effect, and maintain or stop refractory seizures with a 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/min infusion. The Vetinuity propofol dose calculator above converts each line into milligrams and millilitres of 10 mg/mL emulsion; the CRI line is the amount per minute.
Dose table
| Indication | Dog | Cat | Route and frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction after premedication | 2-4 mg/kg | 2-6 mg/kg | IV, to effect over 60-90 s |
| Induction without premedication | 4-6 mg/kg | 6-8 mg/kg | IV, to effect |
| Maintenance infusion (TIVA) | 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/min | 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/min | IV CRI |
| Refractory status epilepticus | 1-2 mg/kg bolus, then 0.1-0.6 mg/kg/min | Same | IV, titrated to seizure control |
Titrate, do not dump
Draw up the full calculated dose and give it in increments until the jaw relaxes and the airway can be secured; most premedicated patients need well under the top of the range. Fast injection causes apnea and a sharp fall in blood pressure. Have oxygen and an endotracheal tube ready, and support ventilation in the first minutes.
Heinz bodies in cats
Feline hemoglobin is vulnerable to oxidative injury from the phenolic structure of propofol. Andress and colleagues saw Heinz bodies, anorexia and malaise in cats anesthetized on consecutive days, and Bley and colleagues assessed repeated propofol anesthesia in cats undergoing radiation therapy. Prefer alfaxalone or another agent when a cat needs daily anesthesia.
Other cautions
Propofol has no analgesic effect. In a hypovolemic patient, such as a dog with a GDV, reduce the dose sharply and consider co-induction with midazolam or diazepam. Discard preservative-free emulsion 6 hours after opening. Propofol CRIs used for status epilepticus need airway control and ventilation monitoring.
Vetinuity, from emergency veterinarian Brian Toncray, DVM, pairs this page with alfaxalone as the main induction alternative, diazepam for co-induction, and the cesarean and GDV pages.
● SOURCES
- 1. Andress JL, Day TK, Day D. The effects of consecutive day propofol anesthesia on feline red blood cells. Vet Surg. 1995;24(3):277-282. PMID 7653043. Abstract. Checked 2026-10-26.
- 2. Bley CR, Roos M, Price J, et al. Clinical assessment of repeated propofol-associated anesthesia in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007;231(9):1347-1353. PMID 17975992. Abstract. Checked 2026-10-26.
- 3. Grubb T, Sager J, Gaynor JS, et al. 2020 AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2020;56(2):59-82. PMID 32078360. Induction. Checked 2026-10-26.
● RELATED ANSWERS
- Status Epilepticus in Dogs and Cats: Drug Doses
Vetinuity's status epilepticus table: a benzodiazepine first (midazolam 0.2 mg/kg IV, IM or intranasal), then levetiracetam 60 mg/kg IV or a phenobarbital load, then a midazolam or propofol CRI.
- Alfaxalone Dose for Dogs and Cats (Alfaxan)
Alfaxalone induction is about 1-3 mg/kg IV to effect in premedicated dogs and 2-5 mg/kg IV to effect in premedicated cats, given slowly, with higher doses only in unpremedicated patients.
- Diazepam Dose for Dogs and Cats
For seizures, diazepam is dosed at 0.5 mg/kg IV in dogs and cats (repeatable up to 3 times), 0.5-2 mg/kg per rectum in dogs, or 0.1-0.5 mg/kg/h as a CRI; oral diazepam is avoided in cats.
- Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in Dogs
Randomized trials comparing alfaxalone with propofol for canine cesarean induction: better neonatal Apgar scores with alfaxalone, similar puppy survival.
- GDV in Dogs: Emergency Stabilization Steps
Vetinuity's GDV table: two large forelimb catheters, crystalloid boluses of 20 mL/kg, gastric decompression by trocar or tube, a full mu opioid and lidocaine 2 mg/kg IV then 50 mcg/kg/min.
● FAQ
Can opened propofol be kept?
Plain propofol emulsion has no preservative and supports bacterial growth, so discard it within 6 hours of opening. The benzyl alcohol formulation has a 28-day in-use life and is labeled for dogs.
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Vetinuity explains clinical options with journal citations.
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