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

The study described in this paper had the goal to validate the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (UNESP-Botucatu MCPS) to assess postoperative pain in cats using video analysis and psycometric testing. The English version of the scale was translated into Italian. Thirty videos of the perioperative period of ovariohysterectomy surgery were analysed by 5 Italian observers with the aim to determine the pain score using the Italian version of the scale and to verify the need for analgesic treatment for each cat. Obtained scores were submitted to psycometric validity, responsiveness, and reliability tests. Of the 3 domains identified by factor analysis, the internal consistency was excellent for 'Psychomotor changes' and 'Protection of the painful area and vocal expressions of pain', while 'Physiological variables' showed moderate internal consistency. Significant changes in pain scores in response to surgery and analgesics confirmed content and construct validity. The agreement between the 'gold standard' and the blinded observers supported the criterion validity. Inter- and intra-rater reliability ranged from good to very good for all scale items. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was > 7. The study concluded that the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu MCPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing postoperative pain in cats. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia provides an additional tool for guiding analgesic therapy.

Preliminary study on attitudes, opinions and knowledge of Italian veterinarians with regard to abdominal visceral pain in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitudes, opinions and knowledge of Italian veterinarians regarding abdominal visceral pain in canine practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective online survey. METHODS: An online questionnaire was created on a Google Form spreadsheet and the weblink was circulated to Italian veterinarians on several mailing lists. The questionnaire, which was available between November 2012 and July 2013, comprised 18 closed, semi-closed and open questions divided into five sections (aetiology, recognition and assessment, drug choices for canine visceral pain, general knowledge about pain management and desire for further education, and demographic information). RESULTS: A total of 527 responses to the questionnaire were completed. Pancreatitis (19%), gastroenteritis (17%) and gastrointestinal obstructions or foreign bodies (9%) were highlighted as the most frequent causes of abdominal visceral pain. Posture, gait and movement changes (32%) and physiological changes (31%) were commonly quoted for pain recognition and assessment. Most respondents (74%) did not use pain scoring systems. Pancreatitis and peritonitis were considered the most painful abdominal conditions. Opioids (40%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (21%) and tramadol (20%) were cited as drugs for the management of visceral pain. A large percentage of respondents (97%) believed that their knowledge regarding pain management required improvement. There is practitioner interest for more continuing education in the subject. Most respondents were women (66%), aged between 25 and 40 years (57%). Internal medicine (56%), surgery (34%) and anaesthesiology (29%) were the main three speciality areas of interest in this study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This online survey represents the opinion of a small number of Italian veterinarians regarding the assessment and treatment of canine abdominal visceral pain. The results show that Italian veterinarians are aware of the main causes and clinical signs of canine visceral pain. Pain-scoring systems are not often used for the recognition and assessment of pain; however, according to these veterinarians, visceral pain is commonly diagnosed.