Effect of acetaminophen on hepatic enzymes and renal analytes of ovary-hysterectomized dogs

Abstract

Background: The treatment of pain in companion animals is of great importance nowadays. The presence of various drugs as alternative therapies for pain should be studied to improve the quality of life and well-being of patients in the small species clinic. For years, acetaminophen or also called acetaminophen has been misused in dogs and cats, producing toxic effects after administration at high doses. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluated the effects on renal and hepatic enzymes after pre- and post-surgical administration of acetaminophen in dogs undergoing ovarian hysterectomy surgeries, performed by students in their last semesters at the university, and to evaluate its effect as a trans- and post-surgical analgesic therapy. Methods: For this purpose, a dose of acetaminophen was administered 30 minutes before the procedure and 48 hours after surgery. Pain was assessed with the Glasgow Pain Scale during surgery and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours after the surgical procedure. To evaluate the effect on liver enzymes and renal analytes, blood studies were performed 7 days before surgery and 5 days after. Results: No significant changes in renal analytes and liver enzymes were observed after application of the drug every 6 and 8 hours for 48 hours. Furthermore, during the surgical procedure, anesthesia and analgesia remained stable, as well as a low score on the pain scale, indicating absence of postoperative pain, although the total surgery time was longer than usual. Conclusions: The use of acetaminophen at adequate doses does not produce hepatic and renal alterations, besides being an excellent analgesic in prolonged surgeries and postoperative pain.