What is the purpose of using IV ketamine in a standing ketamine "stun"?

• A. To induce surgical anesthesia
• B. To calm fractious animals
• C. To assist with respiratory depression
• D. To enhance post-operative recovery

Answer: (B)

Using intravenous (IV) ketamine in a standing "stun" procedure primarily serves to calm fractious animals while enabling field procedures to be performed safely. Ketamine acts as a dissociative anesthetic, which means it alters perceptions of sight and sound and creates a sense of detachment from the environment. This is particularly beneficial in handling animals that may be agitated or difficult to manage, as it helps to reduce anxiety and makes the animal more compliant without completely inducing surgical anesthesia.

The choice of using ketamine in this way allows veterinarians to conduct minor procedures without the need for full anesthesia, thereby minimizing the risks associated with more extensive surgical techniques in a field setting. While ketamine can also provide some analgesic effects, it's not primarily administered to induce full surgical anesthesia or to aid in postoperative recovery, making its use in calming animals the central purpose of a standing ketamine "stun."