Ketamine Injectable
Ketamine is a compounded formulation containing Ketamine, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.
Get Your Supplies Ready
- Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
- Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
- Attach needle to syringe
- Pull in air equal to the dose
- Insert needle into vial, push air in
- Draw out the correct dose
- Tap out air bubbles
Pick the Injection Site
- Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
- Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet
Prep the Area
- Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.
Inject the Medication
- Hold the syringe like a pencil
- Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
- Push the plunger slowly to inject
After the Injection
- Remove the needle smoothly
- Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
- Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat
Safety Tips
- Never reuse needles
- Always dispose of used needles properly
- Ask your vet for help if unsure
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Ketamine hydrochloride is a dissociative anesthetic and analgesic utilized in veterinary medicine for localized and systemic management. It is a prescription medication and a Schedule III controlled substance, requiring professional administration by a licensed veterinarian. It is frequently considered in the context of anesthesia or for managing acute procedural discomfort in dogs, cats and horses.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, it acts as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, considered for its role in managing the transmission of signals within the central nervous system. Commonly observed effects include behavioral shifts such as temporary disorientation, increased heart rate or localized changes in muscle tone. Because it influences neurological signaling, your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of recovery in a clinical setting. Owners should monitor for any unusual behavioral changes during the recovery period and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.
Yes. Ketamine is a prescription controlled substance and can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab dispenses this only to authorized veterinary practices for clinical use.
Ketamine is typically dispensed in its commercial injectable format for professional use. If your veterinarian determines a specialized formulation is necessary for clinic use, Mixlab can discuss compounding options.
Veterinarians discuss ketamine in the context of anesthesia and pain management because it is considered to influence sensory perception pathways. Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate clinical application for your pet's needs.
Your veterinarian will provide guidance on the expected behavioral shifts during the recovery phase, such as temporary grogginess. It is important to provide a quiet, safe environment for your pet during this time.
Yes. At specific doses, veterinarians may consider ketamine in the context of pain management. Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate clinical application for your pet's needs.
