Abstract

Anesthesia is an essential part of veterinary care for reptiles; however, there is limited literature available for the anesthetic management of commonly kept species such as the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). This study compares the intravenous use of 10 mg/kg propofol with 12 mg/kg alfaxalone. Both protocols resulted in smooth and rapid induction and subsequent intubation. A surgical plane of anesthesia, defined as a loss of reaction to noxious stimuli and absent muscle tone, was achieved in 5/8 (62.5%) alfaxalone animals and 0/8 of the propofol animals. Reflexes and muscle tone were regained from a cranial to caudal direction. There was no effect on the heart rate; however, both protocols resulted in respiratory depression, including 5 and 20 min durations of apnea in two of the alfaxalone animals. Differences in the characteristics of these two protocols are likely attributable to the different depths of anesthesia achieved. Further research is required to establish equipotent dosages to allow rigorous comparison. In conclusion, both agents at these dosages were effective and safe for inducing anesthesia and appeared to show dose dependent effects on respiration and duration of anesthesia.