Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Ketamine (brand name Ketaset®) is an NMDA-receptor antagonist used to facilitate restraint/immobilization and to induce anesthesia for surgical procedures in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It may also be used for adjunctive pain control for post-surgical or chronic pain.
It is labeled for use as a restraint and anesthetic agent in cats; all other uses are off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication should take effect quickly, within minutes to 1 hour, depending on the route of administration.
Contact your veterinarian for recommendations. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Ketamine may cause the following side effects:
The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This medication is short-acting, meaning that effects will last less than 24 hours, though effects may last longer in pets with kidney or liver disease
DO NOT USE ketamine in animals who:
USE WITH CAUTION in animals who:
Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with ketamine, including:
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Ketamine is a controlled substance, which means that it has been designated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having a potential for diversion to people other than the patient it was prescribed for. Use of a controlled substance in any person or animal other than that for which it is prescribed is illegal. Therefore, this medication should be stored in a locked cabinet or safe that cannot be easily moved, with access limited to only those that need to administer the medication. The amount of medication must be carefully monitored.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Adverse effects should be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jan 27, 2025.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Species
View All
P: 780-986-3913 reception@leducanimalclinic.com
1 – 5901 50th Street Leduc, AB T9E 8E3
Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 6 PM Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM Sun: Closed
Get DirectionsPulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency- Sherwood Park 450 Ordze Rd #320, Sherwood Park, ABP: 780-570-9999
VCA Canada Guardian Veterinary Centre 5620 99 St NW, Edmonton, ABP: 780-436-5880
Edmonton Vet ER 11212 178 St NW, Edmonton, ABP: 825-480-4881
© 2025 Leduc Animal Clinic. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites