Effects of intramuscular sedation with alfaxalone and butorphanol on echocardiographic measurements in healthy cats.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) injections of alfaxalone combined with butorphanol on echocardiographic (ECG) measurements in cats.

Methods: Client-owned adult domestic shorthair cats younger than 5 years of age were recruited. All cats that were considered healthy on the basis of physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement and baseline ECG underwent a second ECG under sedation.