Comparative evaluation of isoflurane and sevoflurane in etomidate induced anaesthesia in dogs

Anaesthesia plays a vital role in veterinary surgery, providing unconsciousness, analgesia and muscle relaxation. This study evaluated isoflurane and sevoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs premedicated with atropine, butorphanol and diazepam, and induced with etomidate and maintained in one group on isoflurane and another group on sevoflurane. Both groups showed smooth induction, although laryngeal reflexes occasionally complicated intubation. Anaesthetic maintenance was stable in both groups, with no significant differences in depth or physiological reSpOnses. Recovery parameters such as extubation, head lift and sternal recumbency times were similar; however, standing and complete recovery were significantly faster with sevoflurane. Recovery quality was also non-significantly superior in the sevoflurane group. Physiological and haemodynamic variables remained within acceptable ranges, while haematological and biochemical values showed only minor fluctuations. Overall, both agents were safe and effective, though sevoflurane offered faster and smoother recovery, indicating clinical advantages over isoflurane.