A comparison of thiopental, propofol, and diazepam-ketamine anesthesia for evaluation of laryngeal function in dogs premedicated with butorphanol-glycopyrrolate.

Thiopental, propofol, and diazepam-ketamine were compared for evaluation of laryngeal function in dogs. There was no significant difference among the three protocols in time to observation of normal function after drug administration or in the occurrence of swallowing, laryngospasm, or breathing. Jaw tone was significantly greater with diazepam-ketamine. Exposure of the larynx was excellent in five dogs and moderate in three dogs, each receiving thiopental or propofol. Exposure was excellent in one dog, moderate in six dogs, and poor in one dog receiving diazepam-ketamine. Exposure of the larynx for laryngeal function evaluation is more readily accomplished with thiopental or propofol than with diazepam-ketamine.