Alternatives to Ketamine?

I called today to get more info for Tumbles' snip. I asked about Ketamine, which I found out she will use unless I specify not to, which I did. However, I don't recall what she told me they'd use. What are some alternatives to Ketamine that aren't gas? The receptionist told me that if I wanted to go with gas, I'd have to go to one of my former vets, which will cost around $200 which we don't have.

I know there are many types of injectable anesthesia agents aside from Ketamine (which I will not use on my pets), but I know that some are very similar to Ketamine and, as such, produce the same types of side-effects. That being said, in cats, the only injectable anesthetic my vet uses for castration or spay surgeries (and this is the vet I take my pets to) is Propofol. However, that being said, they also usually maintain by using Isoflurane or Sevoflurane (both gas). But, it can be done and can be done safely as long as the vets and vet techs are comfortable with using Propofol. The downside is that without gas to maintain a state of anesthesia, the medication must continually be injected. Side effects include apnea, but that is not uncommon and any good vet will be very vigilant about monitoring a pets' heart-rate and oxygen levels. If apnea or other respiratory concerns occur, they will intubate and provide oxygen. But, side effects are minimal when compared against Ketamine or Ketamine combinations. I do know that some vets will also use a medication named Telazol. It is a very light anesthetic and typically produces a "twilight amnesia effect" rather than general anesthesia. It would not be appropriate to use for a spay, but for a castration can be considered. My vet will use Telazol in felines for a castration (if there is a reason that they cannot use Propofol or gas), but not in canines (they will only use it to drain abscesses, clean wounds, and the like) as it is tolerated better by cats than dogs. But, again, there are risks and Telazol is not always the drug of choice as it does carry some side effects that can be damaging in some situations (ie. a cat with renal impairment or cardio/pulmonary issues).

I would suggest talking with your vet to find out what injectable drugs they are comfortable using as well as a detailed account of the possible issues associated with them. I know that my vet prefers using a gas anesthetic in conjunction with other medications, but they do have the capabilities to use medications such as Propofol as a sole anesthetic agent. I understand the concern over cost and there are other options present, but, if it were me, I would definitely have a conversation with the vet to make sure I understood the benefits and risks of all possible medications and then make a decision from there. Having all of the information is empowering as a pet owner -- especially since we must entrust our loved ones to the care of vets and vet techs (just as we would entrust ourselves or loved ones to surgeons and nurses). I hope you can find a solution that won't break the bank and that will be positive for both you and Tumbleweed. Good luck and please let us know if you have any other questions, concerns, or whatnot. And, please keep us updated on the little guy! I hope you find that this helped some. It shouldn't take the place of a conversation with the vet, but I hope it offered some hope.

I called back this morning and found out that they'll use Telazol for Tumbles' neutering. The good (?) thing is that he'll stay overnight, so if there's any complications, hopefully, it'll get caught soon. I'm not sure I'm happy with having to leave him overnight; it'll be hard enough to just leave him for the day. I might call our old vet and see what they charge just for a neuter. They do laser and sutures that dissolve.