Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

What is a side effect to be aware of when using ketamine for anesthesia in cats?

1. Eyes stay open

2. Dose-dependent respiratory depression

3. Cardiac arrest

4. Laryngospasm

The correct answer is: Eyes stay open

When using ketamine for anesthesia in cats, one notable side effect is that the eyes tend to remain open during the procedure. This phenomenon occurs because ketamine, as an anesthetic, can cause muscle rigidity, including the muscles around the eyelids. As a result, unlike other anesthetic agents that may cause full eyelid closure, ketamine can leave the eyes partially or fully open. This can be disconcerting for both the veterinary team and pet owners, as it may give the impression that the cat is aware of its surroundings, despite being under anesthesia. Managing this side effect typically involves using lubricating eye drops to keep the corneas moist and prevent damage while the animal is anesthetized. Understanding this effect is crucial for veterinarians and technicians to ensure proper care and monitoring during anesthesia. The other options, although relevant to the use of anesthetics in general, do not directly pertain to ketamine's specific profile and are not as commonly associated with its use in cats. For instance, while dose-dependent respiratory depression can occur with some anesthetics, ketamine is more often recognized for other unique effects like the one mentioned.