Many different induction agents and combination of agents are used in veterinary medicine, depending on the patient and procedure being undertaken. In my practice, we most frequently use pentothal to induce anesthesia in dogs. Pentothal is a short-acting drug, and by itself is suitable only for procedures of very short duration such as radiography. Inhalant anesthesia is the standard of care for veterinary surgical patients, and should be used in the vast majority of cases. The most common inhalant agents in use today are halothane and isoflurane.
Anesthetic recovery is faster, particularly with isoflurane.
Currently, isoflurane is the inhalation agent of choice for most procedures, especially those involving older or ill patients. New anesthetic drugs are being introduced in veterinary medicine every year. Recently, new injectable agents such as propofol have become available. Sevoflurane is a newer inhalant anesthetic that is gaining some popularity in veterinary medicine. Experience is the best way to become proficient in the use of an anesthetic, and gain awareness of each drug's strengths and weaknesses.