Use of propofol to induce food consumption by anorectic dogs following ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether IV propofol administration at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) could induce food consumption by anorectic female dogs following elective ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: 51 healthy female dogs that failed to eat voluntarily when food was offered 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial, dogs received propofol (2 mg/kg; n = 31) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (20) IV 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. Afterward, food was offered to the dogs and food consumption was reassessed. Pain, sedation, and stress were scored before and immediately after treatment. RESULTS: 27 of the 31 (87%) dogs in the propofol group consumed food immediately after administration of the assigned treatment, whereas only 1 of 20 (5%) dogs in the placebo group did. No difference in pain, sedation, or stress scores was identified between the 2 groups. Sedation scores for dogs in the propofol group increased immediately after propofol administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that food consumption following elective surgical procedures can be effectively induced in anorectic female dogs by IV administration of propofol at a dose of 2 mg/kg.