Research in veterinary science
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The objective of this study was to assess a pharmacokinetic algorithm to predict ketamine plasma concentration and drive a target-controlled infusion (TCI) in ponies. Firstly, the algorithm was used to simulate the course of ketamine enantiomers plasma concentrations after the administration of an intravenous bolus in six ponies based on individual pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from a previous experiment. Using the same pharmacokinetic parameters, a TCI of S-ketamine was then performed over 120 min to maintain a concentration of 1 microg/mL in plasma. ⋯ However, in three ponies the steady concentrations were significantly higher than targeted. It is hypothesized that an inaccurate estimation of the volume of the central compartment is partly responsible for that difference. The algorithm allowed good predictions for the single bolus administration and an appropriate maintenance of constant plasma concentrations.