A comparison of intra and postoperative analgesic effects of sacrococcygeal and lumbosacral epidural levobupivacaine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

The aim of this study was to compare the intra and postoperative analgesic effects of sacrococcygeal epidural levobupivacaine with those of lumbosacral levobupivacaine in feline ovariohysterectomy. Thirty-six cats were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and meperidine (6 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The cats were randomly assigned one of the three treatments receiving 0.33% levobupivacaine (0.3 mL/kg) into the sacrococcygeal (S-C group, n=12) or lumbosacral (L-S group, n=12) epidural space, or the same volume of 0.9% saline solution into one of the epidural approaches (Control group, n=12). Intraoperatively, cardiorespiratory variables, end-tidal isoflurane concentration (FE´ISO), and fentanyl requirements were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed by the UNESP (Universidade Estadual Paulista)-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale and the Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale up to 8 hr post-extubation. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Overall FE´ISO and fentanyl requirements were lower in the L-S and S-C compared to the Control (P=0.002-0.048, respectively). There was no significant difference in the cardiorespiratory variables during anesthesia, postoperative pain and rescue analgesia among groups. The time to standing after anesthesia was prolonged in the L-S and S-C groups than in the Control (P<0.001). Lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal epidural levobupivacaine resulted in similar decreases in isoflurane requirements and intraoperative fentanyl supplementation in the cats, with no postoperative benefits.

Effects of Lidocaine Injection at Acupuncture Points on Perioperative Analgesia in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy.

Background: Pharmacopuncture is an acupuncture-related technique that has been used to amplify the therapeutic effects of different medications. Objectives: To investigate the analgesic efficacy of a lidocaine injection at acupoints in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Thirty cats were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 15, per group). The experimental group received a bilateral administration of lidocaine at the following acupoints: Stomach 36 (ST-36) and Spleen 6 (SP-6) (Lido group). The control group did not receive lidocaine (Control group). All cats were sedated with dexmedetomidine and anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Intraoperatively, fentanyl was given to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Postoperative pain was assessed at various time points, up to 24 hours after extubation, using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS) and Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale (CMPS-Feline). Sedation scores were measured at the same time points. Morphine/meloxicam was administered as rescue analgesia. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher´s exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Friedman test (p < 0.05). Results: Intraoperatively, more cats in the Control group required analgesic supplementation than those in the Lido group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.65). Postoperative pain, sedation scores, and analgesic requirements did not differ between groups. Rescue analgesia was given to 67% (10/15) of the cats in each group. Conclusion: The administration of lidocaine at ST-36 and SP-6 acupuncture points did not provide significant perioperative analgesic benefits in healthy cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Perioperative Analgesic Efficacy of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture for Canine Mastectomy Combined with Ovariohysterectomy: a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) is a therapy based on the stimulation of points on the scalp and applied to treat different states of pain. Objectives: To investigate the analgesic efficacy of YNSA for dogs undergoing radical unilateral mastectomy with ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Twenty-four dogs were randomly distributed into two treatments (n = 12, per group): bilateral stimulation of basic B, D, and E points (YNSA group) and no application of acupuncture (control group). All dogs were sedated with morphine; anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Fentanyl was intraoperatively administered to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Postoperative pain was assessed using an interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) and the short-form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (CMPS-SF). Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Friedman test (p < 0.05). Results: Intraoperatively, the number of dogs requiring supplemental analgesic and the number of doses of fentanyl were lower in the YNSA group than in the control group (p = 0.027-0.034). The IVAS pain scores recorded from 0.5 h to 1 h post-extubation in the YNSA group were lower than those in the control group (p = 0.021-0.023). Postoperative rescue analgesia and CMPS-SF pain scores did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: YNSA decreases intraoperative fentanyl requirements and provides minimal postoperative analgesic benefits to dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy with ovariohysterectomy.

Effects of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Dogs with Neurological Sequels of Distemper Virus.

Background: Acupuncture (AP) has been empirically used to relieve post-canine distemper virus (CDV) infection neurological signs in veterinary clinics. Objectives: This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of AP combined with electroacupuncture (EA) on neurological function in dogs infected by CDV. Methods: Twenty-four CDV-infected dogs with neurological sequelae were recruited to receive weekly AP/EA sections for 24 weeks. Neurological improvements were assessed before each AP/EA session using a modified scoring system. Data were analyzed using the McNemar test, Friedman test, Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan-Meier curves (p < 0.05). Results: Neurological scores improved from seven to 24 weeks after AP/EA treatment compared with pretreatment scores (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were recorded over time for functional limb recovery, cranial nerve deficits, mental status (p = 0.025 - 0.014), and urinary function (p < 0.001). Myoclonus was improved and entirely reversed in 75% and 25% of the dogs, respectively. At the end of treatment, the proportion of dogs with normal proprioception, posture, hopping (p < 0.001), and superficial pain sensation responses (p = 0.004) was greater than pretreatment values. Conclusion: AP/EA therapy promoted significant neurological recovery in CDV-infected dogs and may be considered within the chronic phase of the disease to improve motor and sensory rehabilitation. However, these results are preliminary and must be confirmed by further investigations.

Chronic pain and gait analysis in dogs with degenerative hip joint disease treated with repeated intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma or allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells.

This prospective, comparative, randomized, horizontal, and double-blind clinical study investigated the clinical efficacy of leucocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (PRP, n=8) or allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC, n=8) in dogs with bilateral degenerative hip joint disease (DHJD). Sixteen dogs were treated with two intra-articular injections of PRP or ADSCs, within a 30-day interval. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), and Visual Analogue Scales for pain (VAS-pain) and locomotion (VAS-loc) were assessed by the dog owners. Analysis-of-gait using a force plate, response to palpation (VAS-palp), and the descriptive numerical scale for pain (DNS) were measured by a veterinarian. The assessments were performed before (baseline), 30 and 60 days after the first treatment. Data were analyzed using the unpaired t test, paired Wilcoxon test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests (P<0.05). Compared with baseline HCPI, CBPI, VAS-pain, and VAS-palp scores reduced 41%, 52%, 51%, and 48% (P=0.0001-0.03) at 60 days in the ADSC group. In PRP-treated dogs, CBPI, VAS-loc, and DNS scores decreased by 43%, 43%, and 33% at 60 days, respectively (P=0.0003-0.011). Based on CBPI data, the rate of success at 60 days was 75% and 25% in the ADSC and PRP groups (P=0.13), respectively. Both therapies were apparently safe and effective to reduce chronic pain in dogs with bilateral DHJD during a 60-day period. However, a trend towards greater improvement was provided by the ADSC treatment.

Intra-articular botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) for pain management in dogs with osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intra-articular (IA) injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) to the management of chronic pain in dogs. In a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study sixteen dogs with osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia were distributed into two groups: 25 IU BoNT/A (BoNT) or saline solution (Control) was administered IA in each affected joint. All dogs received oral supplements (90 days) and carprofen (15 days). The dogs were assessed by a veterinarian on five occasions and the owner completed an assessment form at the same time (baseline to 90 days). The data were analyzed using unpaired-t test, Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance and the Tukey's test (P<0.05). There were no differences between groups in the veterinarian and owner assessments. Lower scores were observed in both groups during 90 days after IA therapy in the owner assessments (P<0.001). Compared with baseline, the Vet score was lower from 15-90 days after IA injection in the BoNT group, and at 15 and 30 days in the Control group (P<0.001). Both treatments were safe and reduced the clinical signs associated with hip osteoarthritis. However, IA BoNT/A (25 IU) did not provide better pain relief than the control treatment.

Gabapentin as an adjuvant for postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of gabapentin as an adjuvant for postoperative pain management in dogs. Twenty dogs undergoing mastectomy were randomized to receive perioperative oral placebo or gabapentin (10 mg/kg). All dogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and morphine (0.3 mg/ kg). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg/kg) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane. Intravenous meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) was administered preoperatively. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated for 72 hr. Rescue analgesia was provided with intramuscular morphine (0.5 mg/kg). Dogs in the Placebo group received significantly more morphine doses than the Gabapentin group (P=0.021), despite no significant differences in pain scores. Perioperative gabapentin reduced the postoperative morphine requirements in dogs after mastectomy.

Sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine in dogs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine, compared to the conventional dose of a intramuscular injection in dogs. METHODS: Twelve dogs were randomly distributed in two groups of six animals and treated as follows: control group (X-IM): 1mg kg(-1) of xylazine given intramuscularly (IM); pharmacopuncture group (X-Yintang): 0.1mg kg(-1) of xylazine diluted to 0.5 mL of saline injected into the Yin Tang acupoint. Heart rate, cardiac rhythm (ECG), systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), blood glucose concentration, degree of sedation and adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Sedative effect was observed in both groups. The degree of sedation was greater in X-IM only at 15 min when compared with X-Yintang group. Cardiovascular established was observed in X-Yintang group, while marked reduction in the HR and increased incidence of ECG abnormalities were detected in X-IM. In both treatment groups, minimal changes were observed in relation to SABP, RR, RT and blood glucose. High incidence (66%) of vomiting was observed in X-IM, while this adverse effect was absent in X-Yintang. CONCLUSION: Pharmacopuncture with xylazine induced clinically relevant sedative effects in dogs, with the advantage of reduction of undesirable side effects associated with α2-agonists, including bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and emesis.

Extradural anesthesia with lidocaine combined with fentanyl or methadone to ovariohisterectomy in dogs.

PURPOSE: To compare the cardiopulmonary effects and the quality of anesthesia of the extradural lidocaine in combination with fentanyl or morphine in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Sixteen female dogs, were sedated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1), followed by anesthetic induction with intravenous propofol (4 mg kg-1), to perform the lumbosacral puncture. The animals were randomly assigned to two treatments: T-F (n=8) extradural administration of fentanyl (5 µg kg-1), T-M (n=8) extradural administration of methadone (0.3mg kg-1). In both treatment groups, opioids were combined with lidocaine, in order to make up a final volume of 0.4 mL kg-1. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP), intra-operative anesthetic supplementation, blood gases and adverse effects were investigated. RESULTS: HR, arterial pH and blood gases did not differ between treatments at any time point. RR and SABP decreased after epidural anesthesia, but the values were in terms of the physiological range of dogs. Intra-operative anesthetic supplementation was required in 50% and 62.5% of the fentanyl and methadone treated dogs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The extradural lidocaine in combination with fentanyl or morphine allowed cardiopulmonary stability, however sufficient sensitive blockade was not provided in 100% of the dogs.

Electroanalgesia for the postoperative control pain in dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic and neuroendocrine effects of electroanalgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Eighteen dogs were randomly distributed to three groups of six animals each and received either electrical stimuli at acupuncture points (EA), at peri-incisional dermatomes (DER) and at both acupuncture points and peri-incisional dermatomes (EAD). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1, IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5mg kg-1, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was measured using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine (0.5mg kg-1, IM) was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication (basal), and at 1, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. RESULTS: EA and EAD- treated dogs had lower pain scores than DER treated dogs one hour postoperatively. Fewer EA and EAD-treated dogs required rescue analgesia. Serum cortisol did not differ among treatments. CONCLUSION: Preoperative application of electrical stimuli to acupuncture points isolated or in combination with peri-incisional dermatomes provides a reduced postoperative opioid requirement and promotes an effective analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

A comparison of extradural tramadol and extradural morphine for postoperative analgesia in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of the extradural tramadol or morphine in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Sixteen female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups of eight animals each and received morphine (0.1 mg kg(-1) M group) or tramadol (2 mg kg(-1) T group). The pre-anesthetic medication was intravenously (iv) acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1)). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg kg(-1)iv) and maintained with isoflurane. The degree of analgesia was evaluated using a numerical rating scale that included physiologic and behavior variables. Dogs were scored at one, three, six and 12 hours after surgery by one blinded observer. Dogs were treated with morphine (0.5 mg kg(-1)) if their scores were >6. Serum cortisol was measured before the pre-anesthetic medication was administered (basal), at the time of the ovarian pedicle clamping (T0), and at 1 (T1), 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) hours postoperative. RESULTS: The pain score did not differ between morphine and tramadol treatments. Rescue analgesia was administered to one dog in the T treatment group. Serum cortisol did not differ between treatments. CONCLUSION: The extradural administration of morphine or tramadol is a safe and effective method of inducing analgesia in female dogs undergoing ovariohyterectomy.

Electroacupuncture versus morphine for the postoperative control pain in dogs.

PURPOSE: [corrected] To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of electroacupuncture, morphine or sham acupuncture in dogs undergoing mastectomy. METHODS: Thirty client-owed dogs undergoing to mastectomy were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 animals each and received either morphine (T-M), the electroacupuncture (T-EA) or sham procedure (T-Sham). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1), IM). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5 mg kg(-1), IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours post-extubation. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication, at 45 minutes after the anesthetic induction, and at 1, 3 and 6 hours post-extubation. RESULTS: The pain score did not differ among the treatments, but rescue analgesia was lower in the T-EA group (2 of 10 dogs), when compared with T-Sham (6 of 10 dogs) and T-M (6 of 10 dogs) groups. Serum cortisol concentration did not differ among the treatments. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement and promotes satisfactory analgesia in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

Sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine in dogs

To investigate the sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine, compared to the conventional dose of a intramuscular injection in dogs. METHODS: Twelve dogs were randomly distributed in two groups of six animals and treated as follows: control group (X-IM): 1mg kg-1 of xylazine given intramuscularly (IM); pharmacopuncture group (X-Yintang): 0.1mg kg-1 of xylazine diluted to 0.5 mL of saline injected into the Yin Tang acupoint. Heart rate, cardiac rhythm (ECG), systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), blood glucose concentration, degree of sedation and adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Sedative effect was observed in both groups. The degree of sedation was greater in X-IM only at 15 min when compared with X-Yintang group. Cardiovascular established was observed in X-Yintang group, while marked reduction in the HR and increased incidence of ECG abnormalities were detected in X-IM. In both treatment groups, minimal changes were observed in relation to SABP, RR, RT and blood glucose. High incidence (66%) of vomiting was observed in X-IM, while this adverse effect was absent in X-Yintang. CONCLUSION: Pharmacopuncture with xylazine induced clinically relevant sedative effects in dogs, with the advantage of reduction of undesirable side effects associated with α2-agonists, including bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and emesis.

Analgesic comparison of systemic lidocaine, morphine or lidocaine plus morphine infusion in dogs undergoing fracture repair

To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of lidocaine, morphine and lidocaine plus morphine administered by constant rate infusion (CRI) and analyzing their effects on opioid requirements after orthopedic surgery in dogs. Twenty-four dogs underwent fracture repairs were premedicated with IM acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) combined with morphine (0.3mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with IV propofol (4 to 5 mg/ kg) and maintained with isoflurane. The dogs were randomly assigned to 3 groups and administered a CRI IV of lidocaine (T-L), morphine (T-M) or lidocaine plus morphine (T-LM) at the same doses. Postoperative analgesia was assessed for 24 hours using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (GCPS). Rescue analgesia was performed if the evaluation score exceeded 50% of the VAS and/or 33% of the GCPS. The pain score and postoperative opioid requirements did not differ among the treatments. Rescue analgesia was administered to 1/8 dogs in the T-M and T-LM, and to 3/8 dogs in the T-L. Lidocaine, morphine or lidocaine/morphine CRI may be efficacious techniques for pain management in the first 24 hours post-surgery. However, the two drugs administered together did not reduce the postoperative opioid requirement in dogs undergoing fracture repair. Key words: Anesthesia. Analgesics. Analgesics, Opioid. Lidocaine. Morphine. Dogs.

Extradural anesthesia with lidocaine combined with fentanyl or methadone to ovariohisterectomy in dogs

PURPOSE: To compare the cardiopulmonary effects and the quality of anesthesia of the extradural lidocaine in combination with fentanyl or morphine in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Sixteen female dogs, were sedated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1), followed by anesthetic induction with intravenous propofol (4mg kg-1), to perform the lumbosacral puncture. The animals were randomly assigned to two treatments: T-F (n=8) extradural administration of fentanyl (5µg kg-1), T-M (n=8) extradural administration of methadone (0.3mg kg-1). In both treatment groups, opioids were combined with lidocaine, in order to make up a final volume of 0.4mL kg-1. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP), intra-operative anesthetic supplementation, blood gases and adverse effects were investigated. RESULTS: HR, arterial pH and blood gases did not differ between treatments at any time point. RR and SABP decreased after epidural anesthesia, but the values were in terms of the physiological range of dogs. Intra-operative anesthetic supplementation was required in 50% and 62.5% of the fentanyl and methadone treated dogs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The extradural lidocaine in combination with fentanyl or morphine allowed cardiopulmonary stability, however sufficient sensitive blockade was not provided in 100% of the dogs.

Infusão contínua intravenosa de midazolam isolado ou associado ao fentanil para realização de endoscopia em suínos / Continuous infusion rate of midazolam alone or in combination with fentanyl for endoscopy in swine

Com este estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito cardiorrespiratório e a qualidade da anestesia e da recuperação pós-anestésica decorrentes da associação cetamina e xilazina seguida da infusão contínua intravenosa (IV) de midazolam isolado ou associado ao fentanil, em suínos. Foram avaliadas 10 porcas adultas, da raça Landrace, com peso médio de 170±4kg, submetidas à endoscopia. Todos os animais foram medicados pela via intramuscular com cetamina (4mg kg-1) associada à xilazina (2mg kg-1). Vinte minutos após, foi realizado um bolus IV de cetamina (2mg kg-1), seguida da infusão contínua IV de midazolam (0,5mg kg-1h-1 GM, n=5), ou midazolam (0,25mg kg-1h-1) associado ao fentanil (4µg kg-1 h-1 GMF, n=5). Foram avaliados: frequência cardíaca (FC) e ritmo cardíaco, pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), temperatura retal (T), frequência respiratória (f), variáveis hemogasométricas (PaO2, PaCO2, pH, HCO3-, SaO2), qualidade da anestesia e qualidade e tempo da recuperação anestésica (RA). A análise estatística foi realizada por meio de análise de variância, teste de Tukey e o teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney (P<0,05). A qualidade da anestesia foi semelhante entre os tratamentos, sendo possível a realização da endoscopia em ambos os grupos. Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, bem como os gases sanguíneos, o pH, o bicarbonato e a saturação da oxihemoglobina não variaram entre os diferentes tratamentos. O tempo de recuperação anestésica foi de 98±15 e 79±17 minutos no GM e GMF, respectivamente, sem diferença entre os grupos. A qualidade da RA não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos. Conclui-se que ambos os tratamentos determinaram estabilidade cardiorrespiratória e foram satisfatórios para a realização de endoscopia em suínos. No entanto, apesar da ausência de diferença estatística, menor tempo de RA foi observado nos animais tratados com a infusão contínua de midazolam associado ao fentanil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects, the quality of anesthesia and the post-anesthetic recovery of ketamine and xylazine premedication following intravenous (IV) continuous rate infusion of midazolam alone or in combination with fentanyl, in swine. Ten Landrace adult pigs that underwent endoscopy were evaluated. All pigs were premedicated with ketamine (4mg kg-1) and xylazine (2mg kg-1) by intramuscular administration. After twenty minutes, intravenous ketamine (2mg kg-1) was injected, following IV continuous rate infusion of midazolam (0.5mg kg-1 h-1 GM, n=5) or midazolam (0.25mg kg-1 h-1) plus fentanyl (4µg kg-1 h¹ GMF, n=5). Heart and respiratory rates, systolic arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, arterial blood gases, quality of anesthesia and recovery, and time for recovery were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed with One-Way ANOVA, Tukey test and Mann-Whitney test (P<0.05). The quality of anesthesia was similar between treatments, and endoscopy was able to be performed in both groups. Cardiopulmonary variables and blood gases did not differ between groups. The recovery time was 98±15 and 79±17 minutes in GM and GMF, respectively, without significant difference between treatments. The quality of recovery did not differ between groups. The results allowed us to conclude that both treatments provide cardiopulmonary stability and were satisfactory to swine endoscopy. However, despite of absence of significant difference, shorter time of recovery was observed with midazolam/fentanyl infusion.

A comparison of extradural tramadol and extradural morphine for postoperative analgesia in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy / Tramadol peridural comparativamente à morfina para analgesia pós-operatória em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of the extradural tramadol or morphine in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Sixteen female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups of eight animals each and received morphine (0.1mg kg-1 M group) or tramadol (2mg kg-1 T group). The pre-anesthetic medication was intravenously (iv) acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4mg kg-1iv) and maintained with isoflurane. The degree of analgesia was evaluated using a numerical rating scale that included physiologic and behavior variables. Dogs were scored at one, three, six and 12 hours after surgery by one blinded observer. Dogs were treated with morphine (0.5mg kg-1) if their scores were >6. Serum cortisol was measured before the pre-anesthetic medication was administered (basal), at the time of the ovarian pedicle clamping (T0), and at 1 (T1), 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) hours postoperative. RESULTS: The pain score did not differ between morphine and tramadol treatments. Rescue analgesia was administered to one dog in the T treatment group. Serum cortisol did not differ between treatments. CONCLUSION: The extradural administration of morphine or tramadol is a safe and effective method of inducing analgesia in female dogs undergoing ovariohyterectomy.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito analgésico pós-operatório do tramadol em relação à morfina quando utilizados por via peridural em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH). MÉTODOS: Dezesseis cadelas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois tratamentos, com oito animais em cada, tratadas com morfina (0,1mg kg-1, M) e tramadol (2mg kg-1, T). A medicação pré-anestésica foi feita por via intravenosa (iv) com acepromazina (0,05mg kg-1), seguindo-se indução e manutenção anestésicas com propofol (4mg kg-1 iv) e isofluorano, respectivamente. O grau de analgesia foi avaliado uma, três, seis e 12 horas após o término da cirurgia, com escala descritiva numérica, que incluiu a observação de alterações fisiológicas e comportamentais. Animais com escore > 06 foram tratados com morfina (0,5mg kg-1). A concentração sérica de cortisol foi mensurada antes da sedação (basal), ao término da cirurgia (T0), 1 (T1), 6 (T6) e 12 (T12) horas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Os escores de dor e a concentração sérica de cortisol não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Analgesia de resgate foi necessária em um cão do tratamento T. CONCLUSÃO: A administração peridural de morfina e de tramadol resulta em analgesia adequada e de longa duração em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia.

Electroanalgesia for the postoperative control pain in dogs / Eletroanalgesia para o controle da dor pós-operatória em cães

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic and neuroendocrine effects of electroanalgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Eighteen dogs were randomly distributed to three groups of six animals each and received either electrical stimuli at acupuncture points (EA), at peri-incisional dermatomes (DER) and at both acupuncture points and peri-incisional dermatomes (EAD). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1, IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5mg kg-1, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was measured using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine (0.5mg kg-1, IM) was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication (basal), and at 1, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. RESULTS: EA and EAD- treated dogs had lower pain scores than DER treated dogs one hour postoperatively. Fewer EA and EAD-treated dogs required rescue analgesia. Serum cortisol did not differ among treatments. CONCLUSION: Preoperative application of electrical stimuli to acupuncture points isolated or in combination with peri-incisional dermatomes provides a reduced postoperative opioid requirement and promotes an effective analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohyterectomy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos analgésicos e neuroendócrinos da eletroanalgesia em cadelas encaminhadas para ovariossalpingohisterectomia. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 18 cadelas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos de seis animais cada: aplicação de estímulo elétrico em pontos de acupuntura (EA), em dermátomos periincisionais (DER) e em pontos de acupuntura associados aos dermátomos periincisionais (EAD). Todos os animais foram tranquilizados com acepromazina (0,05mg kg-1, IV), seguindo-se a indução com propofol (4 a 5mg kg-1, IV) e manutenção anestésica com isofluorano. O grau de analgesia foi avaliado 1, 3, 6, 12 e 24 horas após a cirurgia mediante escala descritiva numérica. Animais com escores ≥6 receberam analgesia de resgate com morfina (0,5mg kg-1, IM). A concentração sérica de cortisol foi avaliada antes da tranquilização, 1, 12 e 24 horas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Escores inferiores de dor foram observados nos tratamentos EA e EAD em relação ao DER na primeira hora pós-operatória. A analgesia de resgate foi menos requerida nos animais dos tratamentos EA e EAD. O cortisol não diferiu entre os tratamentos. CONCLUSÃO: A eletroestimulação de acupontos isolados ou associados aos dermátomos periincisionais reduz o requerimento pós-operatório de opioides, bem como confere efetiva analgesia para cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia.

Electroacupuncture versus morphine for the postoperative control pain in dogs / Eletroacupuntura versus morfina para o controle da dor pós-operatória em cães

PROPOSE: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of electroacupuncture, morphine or sham acupuncture in dogs undergoing mastectomy. METHODS: Thirty client-owed dogs undergoing to mastectomy were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 animals each and received either morphine (T-M), the electroacupuncture (T-EA) or sham procedure (T-Sham). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1, IM). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5 mg kg-1, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours post-extubation. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication, at 45 minutes after the anesthetic induction, and at 1, 3 and 6 hours post-extubation. RESULTS: The pain score did not differ among the treatments, but rescue analgesia was lower in the T-EA group (2 of 10 dogs), when compared with T-Sham (6 of 10 dogs) and T-M (6 of 10 dogs) groups. Serum cortisol concentration did not differ among the treatments. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement and promotes satisfactory analgesia in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito analgésico pós-operatório mediado pela aplicação de morfina, eletroacupuntura ou pontos falsos de acupuntura em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia. MÉTODOS: Trinta cadelas encaminhadas para mastectomia foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos de dez animais cada, sendo tratadas com morfina (T-M), eletroacupuntura (T-EA) ou pontos falsos de acupuntura (T-sham). A medicação pré-anestésica (MPA) foi realizada com acepromazina (0,05 mg kg-1, IM), seguindo-se a indução e manutenção anestésica com propofol (4 a 5 mg kg-1, IV) e isofluorano, respectivamente. O grau de analgesia foi avaliado 1, 3, 6 e 12 horas após a extubação traqueal, empregandose a escala descritiva numérica. Animais, cujos escores foram ≥6 receberam analgesia de resgate com morfina (0,5 mg kg-1, IM). A concentração sérica de cortisol foi avaliada antes da MPA, aos 45 minutos após a indução anestésica e 1, 3 e 6 horas após a extubação traqueal. RESULTADOS: O escore de dor não variou entre os tratamentos, porém a analgesia resgate foi menos frequente no T-EA (2 de 10 animais), em relação ao T-sham (6 de 10 animais) e ao T-M (6 de 10 animais). CONCLUSÃO: A eletroacupuntura reduz o requerimento analgésico pós-operatório e confere analgesia satisfatória em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia.

Diferentes doses de tramadol em cães: ações analgésicas, sedativas e sobre o sistema cardiorrespiratório / Different doses of tramadol in dogs: analgesic, sedative and cardiopulmonary effects

Objetivou-se comparar os efeitos cardiorrespiratório, analgésico e sedativo de diferentes doses de tramadol em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH). Foram avaliadas 24 cadelas SRD, adultas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos de oito animais, tratados com tramadol pela via intravenosa (IV) nas doses de 1, 2 e 4mg kg-1 (T1, T2 e T4, respectivamente). Na medicação pré-anestésica, foi administrada acepromazina (0,05mg kg-1 IV). Vinte minutos após, a anestesia foi induzida com propofol (4mg kg-1 IV), com posterior manutenção anestésica com isofluorano. O tramadol foi administrado 5 minutos antes da incisão cirúrgica em todos os tratamentos. Foram mensurados: frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura retal, pressão arterial sistólica, grau de analgesia, grau de sedação, concentração sérica de cortisol e efeitos adversos. Mínimas alterações cardiorrespiratórias foram observadas, sem diferença entre os tratamentos. O cortisol, o grau de sedação e o grau de analgesia não variaram entre os tratamentos, com exceção da terceira hora pós-cirúrgica, em que menores escores de dor foram observados no T4. Vômito foi observado em 50 por cento dos animais do T4. Conclui-se que as diferentes doses de tramadol induziram efeitos analgésicos semelhantes, com discreto efeito sedativo e mínimas alterações cardiorrespiratórias. Paralelamente, a dose de 4mg kg-1 de tramadol induziu alta incidência de vômito em cadelas submetidas à OSH.

The aim of this study was compare the cardiopulmonary, analgesic and sedative effects of different doses of tramadol in bitches undergoing to ovariohysterectomy. Twenty four adult crossbreed bitches were randomly assigned to three treatments of 8 animals and received intravenously (IV) tramadol 1, 2 or 4mg kg-1 (T1, T2 and T4, respectively). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1 IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4mg kg-1 IV) and maintained with isoflurane delivered in oxygen. Tramadol was administered 5 minutes before surgical incision in all groups. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, systolic blood pressure, degree of analgesia and sedation, serum cortisol concentration and adverse effects were measured. Mild changes were observed in cardiopulmonary variables in all treatments. The pain score was lower in T4 in the 3rd hour after surgery in relation to other treatments. Sedation degree was not different among the treatments. The serum cortisol did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, different doses of tramadol promoted similar analgesic effects, with mild sedative and cardiopulmonary effects. However, high incidence of vomiting was observed with tramadol at 4mg kg-1 in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy.