Pain Management In Dogs Research Articles

The effect of intravenously given dexketoprofen trometamol on postoperative pain in ovariohysterectomized dogs

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative analgesic effect of dexketoprofen trometamol in dogs subjected to ovariohysterectomy. Materials and Methods: Seventeen adult bitches were randomly allocated to two groups. Dexketoprofen trometamol (n=10, 1 mg/kg, IV) was administered to DEX group after recovery of anaesthesia, while those assigned to the control (C) group (n=7) were not given any analgesic after recovery of anesthesia. The ovariohysterectomy procedure was performed on all dogs by the same researcher using a median laparotomy access. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and body temperature were measured during the postoperative period. Pain level was assessed by two researchers 0, 1, 4 and 6 hours after surgery. A modified University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) was used to evaluate pain in both groups. Results: According to modified UMPS test, postoperative first hour pain score decreased statistically significant (P 0.05) determined at other measurement times. Conclusions: The presence of stable vital signs of dexketoprofen administration is a promising finding. Dexketoprofen may used for postoperative pain management in dogs due to its clinical advantage shown by the pain scale.

Subcutaneous Administration of Tramadol after Elective Surgery Is as Effective as Intravenous Administration in Relieving Acute Pain and Inflammation in Dogs

Subcutaneous (SC) administration of tramadol was compared with intravenous (IV) administration to evaluate analgesia following canine ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Healthy female dogs (n = 12) between 1 and 3 years of age (1.95 ± 0.65 years), weighing between 10.5 and 17.1 kg (13.12 ± 1.95 kg), were used. Pain was assessed at baseline before surgery and then hourly for 8 hr after surgery. Tramadol was administered both SC and IV at a dose of 3 mg/kg and provided significant postoperative analgesia, as indicated by analgesiometry, β-endorphin levels, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. The respiratory rates and rectal temperatures remained normal and were not significantly different between or within the groups. A significant increase in heart rate was observed at 4 hr for dogs in both groups relative to the baseline, but there was no significant difference in heart rates between the groups at any time point. A significant decrease in mechanical pain threshold was observed within each group after surgery, but both groups responded similarly, suggesting that SC administration of tramadol is as effective as IV administration. Increased serum levels of both IL-6 and β-endorphin 3 hr postoperatively further indicate that both routes of administration achieve similar pain control. Thus, the relative analgesic efficacy of SC tramadol is comparable to that of IV administration and can be used to achieve similar effects for postsurgical pain management in dogs undergoing OHE.

Efficacy of oral transmucosal and intravenous administration of buprenorphine before surgery for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

To compare the efficacy of preoperative administration of buprenorphine (via oral transmucosal [OTM] and IV routes) for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Prospective, randomized, blinded study. 18 dogs undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy. Dogs were allocated to 3 groups (6 dogs/group) and were assigned to receive buprenorphine (20 μg/kg [9.09 μg/lb], IV; a low dose [20 μg/kg] via OTM administration [LOTM]; or a high dose [120 μg/kg [54.54 μg/lb] via OTM administration [HOTM]) immediately before anesthetic induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane for ovariohysterectomy. Postoperative pain was assessed by use of a dynamic interactive pain scale. Dogs were provided rescue analgesia when postoperative pain exceeded a predetermined threshold. Blood samples were collected, and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine plasma concentrations of buprenorphine and its metabolites. Data were analyzed with an ANOVA. Body weight, surgical duration, propofol dose, isoflurane concentration, and cardiorespiratory variables did not differ significantly among treatment groups. Number of dogs requiring rescue analgesia did not differ significantly for the HOTM (1/6), IV (3/6), and LOTM (5/6) treatments. Similarly, mean ± SEM duration of analgesia did not differ significantly for the HOTM (20.3 ± 3.7 hours), IV (16.0 ± 3.8 hours), and LOTM (7.3 ± 3.3 hours) treatments. Plasma buprenorphine concentration was ≤ 0.60 ng/mL in 7 of 9 dogs requiring rescue analgesia. Buprenorphine (HOTM) given immediately before anesthetic induction can be an alternative for postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

The Ethics of Exotic Animal Analgesia

Although veterinary students these days are routinely taught about pain management in dogs and cats, they receive little instruction regarding pain management in exotic animal species, and, although much research has been performed to understand how dogs and cats feel pain, very limited studies exist on pain perception in commonly kept exotic animal species, including birds and reptiles. In addition to the lack of scientific information regarding pain perception in exotic species, very little discussion exists about the ethical issues that surround pain management in these species. Although dog and cat owners are generally more than happy to spend money on analgesics to help ensure that their beloved pets are not uncomfortable, many exotic pet owners may be less sensitive to indications of pain in their pets and more conscious of cost when it comes to spending additional funds on medication. It is up to us, as veterinarians and veterinary technicians, to educate exotic pet owners about their pets' need for pain relief in certain circumstances. It is also up to us to make each other aware of the necessity for pain management in all exotic species. As a result, I have invited 6 veterinarians from different states across the United States to share their experiences regarding the ethics of pain management in exotic pets. The participants are Michael A. Dutton, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Dipl ABVP (Canine/Feline), Exotic and Bird Clinic of New Hampshire, Weare, NH, USA; Peter Helmer, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), North Bay Animal and Bird Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Christine Kolmstetter, DVM, Cheyenne West Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA; Frank Lavac, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), VCA Wilshire Animal Hospital, Santa Monica, CA, USA; Christina Mackensen, DVM, Animal Hospital of Warwick, Jamison, PA, USA; and Connie Orcutt, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal), Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. I hope that hearing their experiences will prompt all of us to be more attuned to both the need for pain control in exotic animals and the ethical treatment of these animals in general.

Comparison of subcutaneous and transdermal administration of buprenorphine for pre-emptive analgesia in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

The clinical efficacy of a 70 microg/h transdermal buprenorphine patch and of 20 microg/kg of buprenorphine administered subcutaneously (SC) for the relief of post-operative pain was determined in 24 healthy female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Dogs were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) a control group that received no analgesics, (2) a BSC group that received buprenorphine SC (20 microg/kg), and (3) a BP group that received buprenorphine by a 70 microg/h transdermal patch. Dogs were scored for signs of pain at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 20, 26, 32 and 38 h after extubation using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and a modified University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS). Mean NRS and UMPS scores for dogs in the BSC group (2.56 ± 0.23 and 3.05 ± 0.27, respectively) and the BP group (2.02 ± 0.24 and 2.67 ± 0.23, respectively) were significantly lower (P<0.05) compared with dogs in the control group (5.42 ± 0.38 and 7.89 ± 0.44, respectively), whereas differences between the two buprenorphine treatment groups were not significant. The results indicated that the analgesia produced by the 70 microg/h patch was similar to that induced by SC administration of 20 microg/kg of buprenorphine in dogs undergoing OHE, suggesting that the transdermal buprenorphine patch may be a useful alternative for pain management in dogs.

Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine for postoperative pain management in dogs

ObjectiveTo compare postoperative analgesia provided by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of dexmedetomidine (DMED) to that of a well-established positive control [morphine (MOR)] in critically ill dogs. The sedative, cardiorespiratory effects and clinical safety of a 24-hour DMED CRI were also evaluated. Study designProspective, randomised, blinded, positive-controlled parallel-group clinical study. AnimalsForty hospitalised, client-owned dogs requiring post-operative pain management after invasive surgery. MethodsAfter surgery, a loading dose of either DMED (25 μg m−2) or MOR (2500 μg m−2) followed by a 24-hour CRI of DMED (25 μg m−2 hour−1) or MOR (2500 μg m−2 hour−1) was administered. Pain was measured using the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, sedation and physiological variables were scored at regular intervals. Animals considered to be painful received rescue analgesia and were allocated to a post-rescue protocol; animals which were unresponsive to rescue analgesia were removed from the study. Data were analysed with anova, two-sample t-tests or Chi-square tests. Time to intervention was analysed with Kaplan–Meier methodology. ResultsForty dogs were enrolled. Twenty dogs (9 DMED and 11 MOR) did not require rescue analgesia. Eleven DMED and eight MOR dogs were allocated to the post-rescue protocol and seven of these removed from the study. Significant differences in pain scores between groups were not observed during the first 12 hours, however, DMED dogs were less (p = 0.009) painful during the last 12 hours. Sedation score over the entire 24-hour study was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion / Clinical RelevanceDexmedetomidine CRI was equally effective as MOR CRI at providing postoperative analgesia and no clinically significant adverse reactions were noted. This study shows the potential of DMED to contribute to a balanced postoperative analgesia regimen in dogs.

AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines for dogs and cats.

Pain management in dogs and cats has undergone a dramatic evolution in the past decade. Current approaches focus on anticipation and prevention of pain, as well as both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management techniques. The veterinary team plays an essential role in educating pet owners about recognizing and managing pain in their pets.

AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs &amp; Cats

Pain management in dogs and cats has undergone a dramatic evolution in the past decade. Current approaches focus on anticipation and prevention of pain, as well as both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management techniques. The veterinary team plays an essential role in educating pet owners about recognizing and managing pain in their pets.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Analgesics: Indications and Contraindications for Pain Management in Dogs and Cats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIAs) are effective in controlling most acute and chronic pain conditions. In veterinary practice these analgesics may be superior to opioids in that the duration of action is much longer, with equal efficacy in many instances, making effective pain management possible for most veterinary patients. NSAIAs act synergistically in combination with other modalities of pain management, including all opioids, local anesthetics, and various sedatives. Because of their mechanism of action, however, there is a potential for perturbation of several homeostatic functions mediated by prostaglandins. Not all NSAIAs are equal in efficacy and safety, so careful patient and NSAIA selection with appropriate monitoring is advised. This article discusses the indications and contraindications for NSAIA use with a short description of the currently available NSAIAs approved for use in veterinary patients.

Management of pain in dogs and cats using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory analgesics

Management of pain in dogs and cats using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory analgesics

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Analgesics for Acute Pain Management in Dogs and Cats

SummaryThe recently developed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, discussed in this article, have been shown to be efficacious in controlling post-operative pain, used either alone or in combination with opioids, in both cats and dogs. In some instances selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics appear to confer superior analgesia to opioids after orthopedic surgery. However, the side-effects of these drugs are an important factor in selecting the appropriate candidate to receive these analgesics. The contra-indications for use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be strictly adhered to. The trade names listed in this article may differ from those used in individual countries. The reader is advised to consult their own pharmacopea for trade names in the individual’s own country.Recently developed, parenteral NSAIAs have been shown to be effective in managing postoperative pain in cats and dogs. In some instances, individual NSAIAs are equal to, and may be better than, opioid agonists in treating moderate to severe post-operative or medical pain. However, due to the concern for renal failure, gastric ulceration with hemorrhage and hemostatic abnormalities with individual NSAIA administration, caution must be used when selecting patients to receive these analgesics. Indications, relative contraindications and absolute contraindications for NSAIA use are discussed. A pain assessment scale (p. 128) with descriptors and suggestions for pain management are also discussed.