• Anesthesia Induction: Propofol is commonly administered as a single intravenous injection to rapidly induce a state of unconsciousness, allowing for procedures like endotracheal intubation (placing a breathing tube) before maintenance with inhalant anesthetics (gas anesthesia).
• Anesthesia Maintenance: For short procedures (typically up to 20 minutes), propofol can be used as the sole maintenance anesthetic through repeated small injections or a continuous rate infusion (CRI). Its non-cumulative properties help ensure a rapid and smooth recovery.
• Procedural Sedation: At lower doses, it can provide sedation for non-invasive or minimally painful procedures such as X-rays, bandage changes, or wound cleaning.
• Seizure Control: In some cases, propofol has been used to control seizures that do not respond to standard anticonvulsant medications.
• Euthanasia Pre-medication: In end-of-life care, it can be administered as a pre-euthanasia sedative to gently induce a deep sleep, ensuring the pet is unconscious and peaceful before the final injection. 

ADMINISTRATION

• Aseptic Preparation: The vial must be shaken gently but thoroughly before opening. Strict aseptic techniques (sterile handling) are mandatory because the emulsion can support rapid microbial growth (especially preservative-free formulations which must be discarded within 6 hours of opening). The veterinarian or technician will draw the required dose into a sterile syringe just prior to use.
• Intravenous Route Only: Propofol must only be administered intravenously. Intramuscular injection is ineffective and causes tissue reaction.
• Slow and Titrated Injection: The injection is administered slowly over 60 to 90 seconds (or more, depending on the specific product and patient response). This titration “to effect” (until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia) helps to minimize potential side effects such as respiratory depression (apnea) and hypotension that can occur with rapid administration (bolus).
• Monitoring: The patient is continuously and closely monitored during administration and throughout the anesthetic period. Facilities for maintaining a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.