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Medetomidine infusions CATS

​Bodyweight:…….kg

• Where profound continuous sedation is required

• Supplemental analgesia alongside opioids/ other drugs where

other options have failed

• Cats may become refractory to sedation with prolonged infusion (

>24 hours)

• Contraindications:
• Diabetes mellitus
• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Pulmonary disease due to recumbency
• Raised ICP or intra-cranial disease including head
trauma, most seizuring cases

Patient suitability checked by: (vet surgeon)………….

• Dose: 0.5 – 2 mcg/kg/hour for up to 36 hours

• Reduce or increase to effect
• 0.01ml neat medetomidine in 10ml water for injection = 1mcg/ml

Dose range required for this case ……………ml/hour

To convert mcg to mg divide by 1000.

Dose checked by: (vet surgeon) ………..

Nursing considerations:

• Turning
• Thermoregulation may be impaired – check temp. frequently
• Check degree of sedation frequently as sensitivity varied between
animals
• Hyperglycaemia leading to increased urine output even in the face
of moderate hypovolaemia are possible
o Consider indwelling catheter as patient probably v.
sedated
o Be aware that UOP will not reflect fluid balance
o Be aware that UOP will not reflect fluid balance