Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the ventricular system and brain parenchyma in healthy dogs of different skull conformation on computed tomography scans.

This study aimed to perform quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the lateral and third ventricles, and brain parenchyma, in healthy dogs of different skull conformations on CT scans. Forty-five adult client-owned dogs were divided into three groups according to skull conformation: G1 (dolichocephalic)-15 German Shepherds; G2 (mesaticephalic)-15 Rottweilers; G3 (brachycephalic)-15 Boxers. Transverse plane images were used for quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the lateral ventricles and third ventricle, and pre- and post-contrast brain parenchyma. The height of both ventricles and brain was measured at the level of the interthalamic adhesion. Ventricle height, brain height, and ventricle/brain height ratio were statistically higher in G3 compared with G1 and G2 that were similar. The third ventricle was visible but unmeasurable in five dogs from G1 and three from G2. In G3, all dogs had third ventricle visible and measurable in all images. Asymmetric ventricles were seen in five dogs in Group 1 and Group 2, and seven in Group 3. Brain parenchyma had homogenous density in 80% of the dogs in all groups. Contrast enhancement of the rostral midline was visualized in all dogs. In conclusion, brain CT scans of healthy dogs showed that the qualitative data were similar among groups, but lateral ventricle and brain measurements in brachycephalic dogs differed from the dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic dogs.

Validation of the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (UPAPS).

The creation of species-specific valid tools for pain assessment is essential to recognize pain and determine the requirement and efficacy of analgesic treatments. This study aimed to assess behaviour and investigate the validity and reliability of an acute pain scale in pigs undergoing orchiectomy. Forty-five pigs aged 38±3 days were castrated under local anaesthesia. Behaviour was video-recorded 30 minutes before and intermittently up to 24 hours after castration. Edited footage (before surgery, after surgery before and after rescue analgesia, and 24 hours postoperatively) was analysed twice (one month apart) by one observer who was present during video-recording (in-person researcher) and three blinded observers. Statistical analysis was performed using R software and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. Intra and inter-observer agreement, based on intra-class correlation coefficient, was good or very good between most observers (>0.60), except between observers 1 and 3 (moderate agreement 0.57). The scale was unidimensional according to principal component analysis. The scale showed acceptable item-total Spearman correlation, excellent predictive and concurrent criterion validity (Spearman correlation ≥ 0.85 between the proposed scale versus visual analogue, numerical rating, and simple descriptive scales), internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient >0.80 for all items), responsiveness (the pain scores of all items of the scale increased after castration and decreased after intervention analgesia according to Friedman test), and specificity (> 95%). Sensitivity was good or excellent for most of the items. The optimal cut-off point for rescue analgesia was ≥ 6 of 18. Discriminatory ability was excellent for all observers according to the area under the curve (>0.95). The proposed scale is a reliable and valid instrument and may be used clinically and experimentally to assess postoperative acute pain in pigs. The well-defined cut-off point supports the evaluator´s decision to provide or not analgesia.

Ovariohysterectomy requires more post-operative analgesia than orchiectomy in dogs and cats.

The requirement for post-operative analgesia after ovariohysterectomy (OH) versus orchiectomy in dogs and cats was compared. Twelve male and 12 female cats and 12 male and 12 female dogs received meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg body weight, PO, 2 h before surgery. Eleven female cats and 3 female dogs received rescue analgesia (P = 0.002). No male of either species required rescue analgesia. The number of cats receiving rescue analgesia was greater in females than in males (P < 0.0001). One should not rely solely on preoperative short-acting opioid and preemptive use of NSAIDs to control postoperative pain following OH, in dogs or cats. Postoperative pain after OH should be assessed for at least 2 h for cats and 4 h for dogs, using species-specific validated tools, to ensure proper postoperative pain diagnosis and management. Male dogs and cats subjected to orchiectomy required less postoperative analgesia intervention than female dogs and cats submitted to OH.

L'ovariohystérectomie nécessite d'avantage d'antalgiques post-opératoires que l'orchiectomie chez les chiens et les chats. Dans cette étude, nous avons comparé le besoin en antalgiques post-opératoires après l'OH versus l'orchiectomie chez les chiens et les chats. Douze mâles et 12 femelles, chats et chiens, ont reçu 0,1 mg/kg de Méloxicam par voie orale, 2h avant chirurgie. Onze chattes et trois chiennes ont eu besoin d'antalgiques de secours (P = 0,002). Aucun mâle de l'une ou l'autre espèce n'en a eu besoin. Chez les chats, les besoins en antalgiques de secours étaient plus élevés chez les femelles que les mâles (P < 0,0001). Il est donc primordial de ne pas se fier uniquement aux opioïdes à action courte préopératoire, et à l'utilisation préventive des AINS, pour contrôler la douleur post-opératoire après OH, tant chez le chien que chez le chat. L'évaluation de la douleur post-opératoire après l'OH devrait être suivie pendant au moins 2 heures pour les chats, et 4 heures pour les chiens, en utilisant des outils validés et spécifiques pour chaque espèce, afin d'assurer un diagnostic et une prise en charge post-opératoire appropriés à la douleur. Chez les chiens et les chats, les mâles soumis à l'orchiectomie ont nécessité moins d'intervention d'antalgiques post-opératoires que les femelles soumissent à l'OH.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Validation of the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu unidimensional composite pain scale for the assessment of postoperative pain in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu Unidimensional Composite Pain Scale (UCPS-IV) for assessing postoperative pain in cattle. STUDY DESIGN: Video analysis and psychometric testing. ANIMALS: A total of 40 Nellore cattle, age 2-3 years, weighing 365±51 kg. METHODS: An English version of the scale was translated to Italian and back translated to English to ensure semantic equivalence. A total of four Italian observers and the researcher who developed the original scale (considered as the gold standard) analysed videos of 40 cattle previously subjected to orchiectomy (recorded for each cattle at four predetermined timepoints during the perioperative period) unaware of the videos' timepoint. They assigned a pain score [ranging from no pain (0) to severe pain (10)] using the Italian version of the scale and verified the need for analgesic treatment for each animal. The obtained scores were subjected to psychometric validity, responsiveness and reliability tests. RESULTS: The factor analysis of the scale resulted in a one-factor solution. Significant changes in pain scores in response to surgery and analgesics confirmed not only the content and construct validity, but also responsiveness. The agreement between the researcher who developed the original scale and the blinded observers and the correlation between the pain scores determined by the scale and those determined by three classical unidimensional pain scales confirmed criterion and concurrent validity. Internal consistency of the scale was excellent. Inter- and intrarater reliability ranged from moderate to good and from moderate to very good for all scale items, respectively, supporting reproducibility and stability. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve was > 3. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results confirm that the UNESP-Botucatu UCPS-IV appears to be a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of postorchiectomy pain in the bovine species. The determination of a cut-off point for rescue analgesia is also helpful for guiding analgesic therapy.

Sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of dexmedetomidine infusions randomly receiving, or not, butorphanol in standing horses.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) alone, or combined with butorphanol (BUT), may be administered by constant rate infusions (CRIs) in standing horses. This blinded, randomised, crossover study in six healthy adult horses aimed to determine the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of DEX (dexmedetomidine (3.5 µg/kg+5 µg/kg/hour CRI) and DEX/BUT (dexmedetomidine (3.5 µg/kg+3.5 µg/kg/hour CRI) and butorphanol (20 µg/kg+24 µg/kg/hour CRI)). Head height above ground (HHAG), ataxia, responses to tactile/auditory stimuli and cardiopulmonary variables were recorded before, at 5/15/30/60/90 minutes and after CRIs terminated (15/30/60 minutes). Repeated measures analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer test were used for cardiopulmonary values (mean±SD) and HHAG reduction (per cent), and Friedman's and Dunn's for non-parametric data (P<0.05). Maximum HHAG reductions of 54 per cent (DEX) and 58 per cent (DEX/BUT) occurred at 15 minutes, with ataxia for 15 minutes in both treatments. Responses to stimuli were reduced for 30 minutes in both treatments, and auditory up to 60 minutes in DEX. Cardiopulmonary effects typical of α2-agonists were observed, with no differences between treatments. At the doses and rates reported here, both regimens provided clinically sufficient sedation for only 30 minutes.

Refinement and partial validation of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale for assessing postoperative pain in horses.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of pain plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of pain in animals. In order to refine and validate an acute pain scale for horses a prospective, randomized, blinded study was conducted. Twenty-four client owned adult horses were recruited and allocated to one of four following groups: anaesthesia only (GA); pre-emptive analgesia and anaesthesia (GAA,); anaesthesia, castration and postoperative analgesia (GC); or pre-emptive analgesia, anaesthesia and castration (GCA). One investigator, unaware of the treatment group, assessed all horses at time-points before and after intervention and completed the pain scale. Videos were also obtained at these time-points and were evaluated by a further four blinded evaluators who also completed the scale. The data were used to investigate the relevance, specificity, criterion validity and inter- and intra-observer reliability of each item on the pain scale, and to evaluate construct validity and responsiveness of the scale. RESULTS: Construct validity was demonstrated by the observed differences in scores between the groups, four hours after anaesthetic recovery and before administration of systemic analgesia in the GC group. Inter- and intra-observer reliability for the items was only satisfactory. Subsequently the pain scale was refined, based on results for relevance, specificity and total item correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Scale refinement and exclusion of items that did not meet predefined requirements generated a selection of relevant pain behaviours in horses. After further validation for reliability, these may be used to evaluate pain under clinical and experimental conditions.

Validation of the UNESP-Botucatu unidimensional composite pain scale for assessing postoperative pain in cattle.

BACKGROUND: The recognition and measurement of pain in cattle are important in determining the necessity for and efficacy of analgesic intervention. The aim of this study was to record behaviour and determine the validity and reliability of an instrument to assess acute pain in 40 cattle subjected to orchiectomy after sedation with xylazine and local anaesthesia. The animals were filmed before and after orchiectomy to record behaviour. The pain scale was based on previous studies, on a pilot study and on analysis of the camera footage. Three blinded observers and a local observer assessed the edited films obtained during the preoperative and postoperative periods, before and after rescue analgesia and 24 hours after surgery. Re-evaluation was performed one month after the first analysis. Criterion validity (agreement) and item-total correlation using Spearman's coefficient were employed to refine the scale. Based on factor analysis, a unidimensional scale was adopted. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the data was excellent after refinement (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.866). There was a high correlation (p < 0.001) between the proposed scale and the visual analogue, simple descriptive and numerical rating scales. The construct validity and responsiveness were confirmed by the increase and decrease in pain scores after surgery and rescue analgesia, respectively (p < 0.001). Inter- and intra-observer reliability ranged from moderate to very good. The optimal cut-off point for rescue analgesia was > 4, and analysis of the area under the curve (AUC = 0.963) showed excellent discriminatory ability. CONCLUSION: The UNESP-Botucatu unidimensional pain scale for assessing acute postoperative pain in cattle is a valid, reliable and responsive instrument with excellent internal consistency and discriminatory ability. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia provides an additional tool for guiding analgesic therapy.

Analgesia da farmacopuntura com meloxicam ou da aquapuntura preemptivas em gatas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia / Analgesia of preemptive pharmacopuncture with meloxicam or aquapuncture in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito analgésico da farmacopuntura com meloxicam e da aquapuntura preemptivas em gatas submetidas à OSH. Foram utilizados 29 animais considerados sadios após exame clínico e laboratorial com idade de 11,59±6,21 meses e peso de 2,50±0,58kg distribuídos em quatro grupos: aquapuntura (GA; n=7; 0,1ml de solução fisiológica nos acupontos BP6, VB34, F3 e E36 bilaterais), meloxicam (GM; n=8; 0,1mg kg-1 de meloxicam por via subcutânea), farmacopuntura (GMFV; n=7; 0,01mg kg-1 de meloxicam, diluído em 0,8ml de solução fisiológica, distribuído nos acupontos BP6, VB34, F3 e E36 bilaterais) e subdose de meloxicam (GMFF; n=7; 0,01mg kg-1 de meloxicam diluído em solução fisiológica por via SC na região interescapular). Os animais foram submetidos à OSH por meio de técnica cirúrgica minimamente invasiva. Os momentos de avaliação pós-cirúrgica foram 1h, 2h, 6h, 8h, 12h e 24h após o término da cirurgia por avaliador encoberto. Todos os parâmetros avaliados no dia anterior à cirurgia foram considerados como valores basais. Para a avaliação da sedação, utilizou-se a escala analógica visual e o escore do grau de sedação. Para a avaliação da dor, foram utilizadas a escala analógica visual (EAV), a escala descritiva de dor (EDD) e o grau de hiperalgesia com o auxílio dos monofilamentos de Von Frey. O resgate analgésico foi realizado com morfina na dose de 0,2mg kg-1 por via intramuscular (IM), quando a pontuação na EDD ultrapassava 33% da total. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do programa Sigma-Stat 3.1, utilizando-se a análise de variância paramétrica e não paramétrica e respectivos teste de Tukey e de Dunn para as comparações, com significância de 5% (P<0,05). Não houve diferenças estatísticas na comparação entre os grupos quanto às variáveis fisiológicas, sensibilidade quanto aos monofilamentos de Von Frey, EAV para dor e sedação e EDD. Quatro resgates do grupo GM foram realizados, contra três resgates dos grupos GA e GMFF e dois resgates do grupo GMFV. Os tratamentos apresentaram semelhante eficácia analgésica em gatas submetidas à OSH.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of preemptive pharmacopuncture with meloxicam or aquapuncture in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-nine healthy animals, aged 11.59±6.21 and weighing 2.50±0.58kg were used and assigned to four groups: aquapuncture (GA; n=7; 0.1mL of saline solution in the SP6, GB34, LIV3 and ST36 acupoints bilaterally), meloxicam (GM; n=8; 0.1mg kg-1 of meloxicam subcutaneously), pharmacopuncture (GMFV; n=7; 0.01mg kg-1 of meloxicam, diluted to 0.8ml of saline solution, equally distributed in the SP6, GB34, LIV3 and ST36 acupoints bilaterally) or subdose of meloxicam (GMFF; n=7; 0.01mg kg-1 of meloxicam diluted in saline subcutaneously, at the interscapular region). The animals were submitted to OVH by minimally invasive surgical technique. Animals were evaluated at 1h, 2h, 6h, 8h, 12h and 24h postoperatively by a blind assessor. All measurements were assessed the day before surgery and were considered as baseline. Postoperative pain and sedation were evaluated by visual analogue scale in both cases and sedation score and descriptive pain scale (DPS), respectively, as well as hyperalgesia was assessed by the Von Frey monofilaments. The analgesic rescue was performed with 0.2mg kg-1 of morphine intramuscularly, when the DPS score was above 33% from the total score. Statistical analysis were performed with the Sigma-Stat 3.1 program using parametric and nonparametric analyses of variances and respective Tukey´s and Dunn´s test for post hoc comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at 5% (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between groups for the physiological variables, Von Frey sensitivity, VAS for pain and sedation and DPS. Four analgesic rescues were performed in GM group, three in GA and GMFF groups and two in GMFV group. All treatments showed similar analgesic effect in cats undergoing OVH.