Does maropitant provide more effective perioperative pain management than meloxicam in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy? The first report on the comparison of visceral algesia-analgesia for ovariohysterectomy.

Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is a widely used surgical procedure in small animal practice. In developing countries, injectable anesthetics such as ketamine and xylazine are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Pharmacological agents with analgesic activity, such as ketamine and meloxicam, are not sufficiently effective in reducing visceral pain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the visceral analgesia and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of maropitant compared with those of meloxicam during and after OVH in bitches. In this study, thirty-six bitches were randomly divided into the maropitant, meloxicam, and control groups. The heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate were monitored during the procedure. Pain scores were assessed using the University of Melbourne pain scale (UMPS). Rescue analgesia was not necessary for any bitch at any time point. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia induction and 24 h after the operation to determine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. No significant difference was observed in HR between the control and meloxicam groups when the right ovary was removed, and the HR of the maropitant group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the control group. The pain scores of the maropitant group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the other groups. However, no significant differences were observed in CRP levels between the groups. In conclusion, compared to meloxicam, maropitant provided more effective visceral analgesia in bitches undergoing OVH, although no significant difference was found in its anti-inflammatory effect.

The analgesic effects of magnesium in veterinary patients: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a qualitative evaluation of the analgesic effects of magnesium in domestic animals, including its anaesthetic sparing effects. STUDY DESIGN: All database searches were made using PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies published after 1990, evaluating the use of magnesium and reporting information on analgesia, in dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats and sheep were selected (last search in August 2023). A reference check in the selected papers was performed to identify any study which was omitted. The CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach was used to assess confidence and analyse the evidence. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies relevant to the analgesic effects of magnesium in veterinary patients and two reviews were included. All were published after 2006. Of the 20, five studies provided information about analgesia in the postoperative period in dogs with heterogenous results. Magnesium added epidurally increased the duration of the sensory block in several species. Motor block was also observed when added to spinal analgesia. Results regarding volatile agents sparing effect were conflicting. Occasional moderate adverse effects were reported in dogs, such as nausea and vomiting, when administered as a bolus in conscious animals, and hypotension when administered intraperitoneally. Collapse was reported in horses after epidural administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evidence of an analgesic effect of magnesium in veterinary patients remains scarce considering the paucity and low quality of published data. Further research may be helpful to establish the efficacy and indications of magnesium in multimodal analgesia in animals.

Introducing a novel intraoral mandibular nerve block technique for loco-regional analgesia in camels (Camelus dromedarius): a cadaveric study using computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to introduce a novel intraoral technique for performing mandibular nerve blocks in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). In this study, 18 adult camel skulls of varying ages and breeds were examined to determine the position of the mandibular foramen. Using a Vernier caliper, three dimensions in millimeters were measured: (1) the distance between the mandibular foramen (MF) and the caudal edge of the third molar tooth at the occlusal surface level, (2) the distance between the MF and the rostral edge border of the mandible's ramus (RER) at the occlusal surface level, and (3) the distance between the MF and the ventral margin border of the mandible (VM). The technique was evaluated using five intact camel cadaver heads (n = 5), and a total of ten mandibular nerve blocks were described. An 18-gauge 80-mm Tuohy needle was inserted into the mouth commissure and advanced caudally while injecting a saline-methylene blue solution. The accuracy of the injection was confirmed through the infiltration of the contrast dye into the target area using computed tomography (CT) and post procedural dissection. Anatomical study of the mandibular nerve site was performed to aid the blind insertion of the needle. The findings contribute to the development of veterinary anesthesia techniques and provide anatomical considerations for clinicians performing oral surgeries in sedated camels. The results demonstrated the successful implementation of the intraoral technique, highlighting its efficacy and reliability in achieving local anesthesia for oral surgeries involving the lower jaw and teeth in sedated camels. Further research studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the technique and to compare it with existing approaches.

Bupivacaine liposomal injectable suspension does not provide improved pain control in dogs undergoing abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in postoperative pain scores of dogs undergoing abdominal surgery receiving surgical incision infiltration of saline or bupivacaine liposomal injectable suspension (BLIS). ANIMALS: 40 dogs undergoing exploratory laparotomy. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively enrolled and randomized to receive either BLIS or saline surgical incision infiltration. All dogs received 5.3 mg of BLIS/kg or an equal volume of saline infiltrated in the muscle/fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and intradermal layer during closure. All dogs received a standardized postoperative pain management protocol. Pain assessment was performed at select time points postoperatively by blinded observers with an electronic algometer, short version of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS), and indirect measures of pain, including systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol levels. RESULTS: At day 0, blood pressure was higher in the saline group (149.6 vs 125.8 mm Hg; P = .006). At day 3, GCMPS was lower in the BLIS group (BLIS = 1, saline = 2, P = .027), though both average GCMPS scores were low and only 10 dogs were available for day 3 assessments (6 BLIS and 4 saline). No other differences in algometer readings, GCMPS scores, other measured parameters, or need for rescue analgesia were present between BLIS and saline groups at any time point. There was no difference in postoperative incisional infection rate or complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of BLIS for exploratory laparotomy did not provide improved pain control over postoperative opioid administration alone. Patients that received BLIS had no increase in short-term complications.

Ultrasound-guided caudal quadratus lumborum block combined with the greater ischiatic notch plane block as motor-protective analgesia for the pelvic limb in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an ultrasound-guided caudal quadratus lumborum block (C-QLB) technique in canine cadavers and to compare sensory and motor blockade resulting from the combination of ultrasound-guided greater ischiatic notch (GIN) plane and C-QLB approaches (GIN-CQLB group) versus a lumbosacral plexus (LSP group) approach [combination of lateral pre-iliac (LPI) and parasacral (PS) techniques] in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive anatomical study and prospective randomized, blinded, experimental crossover trial. ANIMALS: A total of six canine cadavers and six adult Beagle dogs. METHODS: Phase I: following ultrasound-guided C-QLB injections of 0.3 mL kg-1 of dye, using the interfascial plane located lateral to the quadratus lumborum muscle at the level of the sixth lumbar vertebra (L6) as injection point, the spread of injectate and nerve staining was evaluated using gross anatomical dissection. PHASE II: sensory and motor blockade achieved with the GIN-CQLB or LSP blocks in Beagle dogs were evaluated and compared. The assigned technique was performed with 2% lidocaine: 0.2 mL kg-1 for the GIN and PS approaches and 0.3 mL kg-1 for the C-QLB and LPI approaches. RESULTS: Dissection revealed distribution of dye around the lumbar hypaxial musculature, extending into the paravertebral spaces, with staining of 3 (2-4) [median (interquartile range)] spinal nerves, spanning L3 to L6. The median motor blockade in the GIN-CQLB and LSP groups was 7 (7-8) versus 16 (10-16) (p = 0.026), whereas the median sensory blockade was 5 (4-5) versus 3 (3-3) (p = 0.025), respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The GIN-CQLB approach desensitized the thigh dermatomes effectively. Compared with the LSP approaches, GIN-CQLB exhibits a motor-protective effect by preserving tonic muscle function.

Construct validity, responsiveness and reliability of the Feline Grimace Scale in kittens.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity, responsiveness and reliability of the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) in kittens. METHODS: A total of 36 healthy female kittens (aged 10 weeks to 6 months) were included in a prospective, randomized, blinded study. Video recordings of all kittens were made before and 1 and 2 h after ovariohysterectomy using an opioid-free injectable anesthetic protocol with or without multimodal analgesia. Additional recordings were taken before and 1 h after administration of rescue analgesia (buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg IM) to painful kittens. Screenshots of facial images were collected from the video recordings for FGS scoring. Four observers blinded to treatment groups and time points scored 111 randomized images twice with a 5-week interval using the FGS. Five action units (AUs) were scored (ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whiskers position and head position; 0-2 each). Construct validity, responsiveness, and inter- and intra-rater reliability were evaluated using linear models with Benjamini-Hochberg correction, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and single intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCsingle), respectively (P <0.05). RESULTS: FGS total ratio scores were higher at 1 and 2 h after ovariohysterectomy (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 0.30 [0.20-0.40] and 0.30 [0.20-0.40], respectively) than at baseline (median [IQR]: 0.10 [0.00-0.30]) (P <0.001). FGS total ratio scores were lower after the administration of rescue analgesia (median [IQR] before and after rescue analgesia) 0.40 [0.20-0.50] and 0.20 [0.10-0.38], respectively (P <0.001). Inter-rater ICCsingle was 0.68 for the FGS total ratio scores and 0.35-0.70 for all AUs considered individually. Intra-rater ICCsingle was 0.77-0.91 for the FGS total ratio scores and 0.55-1.00 for all AUs considered individually. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The FGS is a valid and responsive acute pain-scoring instrument with moderate inter-rater reliability and good to excellent intra-rater reliability in kittens.

Comparison of two sedation protocols, with and without analgesia, in pigs: Assessment of sedation end points and propofol requirements.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of intramuscular premedication with a novel nonanalgesic [alfaxalone-midazolam-acepromazine (AMA)] and an analgesic [ketamine-midazolam-detomidine (KMD)] protocol on sedation end points and propofol requirements for induction of anesthesia in swine. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of 27 Yorkshire cross gilts weighing approximately 30 kg. METHODS: Two sedation protocols, AMA and KMD, were compared. Time from intramuscular injection to ataxia, recumbency and nonresponsiveness to tactile stimulation was recorded. The propofol dose requirement for induction of general anesthesia and tracheal intubation, and any adverse events (paddling, twitching), were recorded. Data were tested for normality using a Shapiro-Wilk test. Propofol requirements were compared using a Student's t test. Times from injection to sedation end points were compared using a Mood's test, and significance was confirmed using a Kaplan-Meier curve with Wilcoxon test survival analysis. RESULTS: Sedation end points were reached significantly faster with KMD than with AMA. Nonresponsiveness occurred in 5 (0-16) and 9.5 (5-36) minutes for KMD and AMA, respectively (p = 0.011). No significant difference (p = 0.437) was found between propofol doses used in either group (KMD; 64.38 ± 5.98 mg, AMA; 72.00 ± 7.57 mg). More adverse events were noted with AMA (11/16 pigs) than with KMD (1/11 pigs). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In pigs, AMA can be used as a reliable sedation protocol. Frequency of adverse events and time to reach sedation end points between AMA and KMD differed, but the dose of propofol needed to induce general anesthesia was not significantly different.

Intraperitoneal and incisional ropivacaine did not improve postoperative analgesia after multimodal anaesthesia compared with saline in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraperitoneal administration of local anaesthetics may reduce postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy in dogs. The aim of this prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to compare postoperative analgesia and opioid requirements after intraperitoneal and incisional administration of ropivacaine versus 0,9 % NaCl (saline). Forty-three client-owned dogs were enrolled in the study and anaesthetised using a standardized protocol that included premedication with acepromazine (0,03-0,05 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0,01 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol titrated to effect and ketamine (1 mg/kg) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The analgesic regimen included carprofen (4 mg/kg) subcutaneously and morphine (0,2 mg/kg) intravenously. Depending on group assignment, each dog received either an intraperitoneal and incisional splash with ropivacaine (2 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively) (group R), or an equal volume of saline (group S). Buprenorphine (0,02 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly once the uterus was removed. Sedation and pain were assessed 0,5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after extubation using a sedation scale, the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) and a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS). Postoperatively, buprenorphine (0,01 mg/kg) was administered intravenously if dogs scored 6/24 on CMPS-SF. The ordinal mixed model showed no difference in pain scores between groups. Fisher's exact test showed no significant difference in postoperative buprenorphine requirements between group S (3/22 dogs) and group R (1/21 dogs) at the doses used. In addition, lower sedation scores were associated with higher DIVAS scores. In this multimodal analgesic protocol, ropivacaine could not improve analgesia compared to saline.

INTRODUCTION: L'administration intrapéritonéale d'anesthésiques locaux peut réduire la douleur postopératoire après une ovariohystérectomie chez la chienne. L'objectif de cet essai clinique prospectif, randomisé, en aveugle et contrôlé par placebo était de comparer l'analgésie postopératoire et les besoins en opioïdes après l'administration intrapéritonéale et incisionnelle de ropivacaïne par rapport à du NaCl 0,9 % (sérum physiologique). Quarante-trois chiennes appartenant à des clients ont été enrôlés dans l'étude et anesthésiés selon un protocole standardisé comprenant une prémédication par acépromazine (0,03 - 0,05 mg/kg) et dexmedetomidine (0,01 mg/kg) par voie intramusculaire. L'anesthésie a été induite avec du propofol dosé à l'effet et de la kétamine (1 mg/kg) par voie intraveineuse et maintenue avec de l'isoflurane dans de l'oxygène. Le traitement analgésique comprenait du carprofène (4 mg/kg) par voie sous-cutanée et de la morphine (0,2 mg/kg) par voie intraveineuse. En fonction de son affectation à un groupe, chaque chien a reçu soit une injection intrapéritonéale et incisionnelle de ropivacaïne (2 mg/kg et 1 mg/kg, respectivement) (groupe R), soit un volume égal de solution saline (groupe S). La buprénorphine (0,02 mg/kg) a été administrée par voie intramusculaire après l'ablation de l'utérus. La sédation et la douleur ont été évaluées 0,5, 1, 2, 4, 6 et 8 heures après l'extubation à l'aide d'une échelle de sédation, de la forme courte de l'échelle composite de douleur de Glasgow (CMPS-SF) et d'une échelle visuelle analogique interactive dynamique (DIVAS). En postopératoire, de la buprénorphine (0,01 mg/kg) a été administrée par voie intraveineuse si les chiens obtenaient un score de 6/24 sur l'échelle CMPS-SF. Le modèle mixte ordinal n'a montré aucune différence dans les scores de douleur entre les groupes. Le test exact de Fisher n'a pas montré de différence significative dans les besoins postopératoires en buprénorphine entre le groupe S (3/22 chiens) et le groupe R (1/21 chiens) aux doses utilisées. De plus, des scores de sédation plus faibles étaient associés à des scores DIVAS plus élevés. Dans ce protocole d'analgésie multimodale, la ropivacaïne n'a pas permis d'améliorer l'analgésie par rapport au sérum physiologique.

Post craniotomy pain management in Copenhagen rat by intraperitoneal or oral dosage of Tramadol: a comparative evaluation.

Calvarial craniotomy in animal models involves pain and distress. Moderate to severe pain in laboratory animals requires adequate pain management strategies. According to previous studies, the options available for suitable analgesia for rat calvarial craniotomy are very few. For most analgesic treatments, injectable routes of administration are predominantly used. However, these routes require restraining the animals, which may cause unnecessary pain, distress and suffering. As a well-fare measure, we focused on pain management by oral administration of analgesia. In this particular study, which is a sub-study of a major experiment on bone regeneration with different polymeric scaffold materials, we have compared the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal (I/P) and oral administration of tramadol (10 mg/kg) over a period of 96 h post-surgery in rat craniotomy models. The focus of our study is to evaluate the potential pain reduction efficacy of orally administered Tramadol without any restraining involved. We have used various non-invasive methods to assess the pain-alleviating efficacy of tramadol administered through different methods. We found that the efficacy of oral administration of tramadol is comparable to I/P administration in alleviating pain. Additionally, oral administration through drinking water has the benefit of not putting the animal under unwanted restraining stress.

A Pharmacokinetic and Analgesic Efficacy Study of Carprofen in Female CD1 Mice.

The minimization of pain in research animals is a scientific and ethical necessity. Carprofen is commonly used for pain management in mice; however, some data suggest that the standard dosage of 5 mg/kg may not provide adequate analgesia after surgery. We hypothesized that a higher dose of carprofen in mice would reduce pain-associated behaviors and improve analgesia without toxic effects. A pharmacokinetic study was performed in mice given carprofen subcutaneously at 10 or 20 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations were measured at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after dosing (n = 3 per time point and treatment). At these doses, plasma levels were above the purported therapeutic level for at least 12 and 24 h, respectively, with respective half-lives of 14.9 and 10.2 h. For the efficacy study, 10 mice per group received anesthesia with or without an ovariectomy. Mice were then given 5 or 10 mg/kg of carprofen, or saline subcutaneously every 12 h. Orbital tightening, arched posture, wound licking, rearing, grooming, nesting behavior, and activity were assessed before surgery and at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The von Frey responses were assessed before and at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The efficacy study showed that all surgery groups had significantly higher scores for orbital tightening, arched posture, and wound licking than did the anesthesia-only groups at 4, 8, 12, and 24-h time points. At the 8 h time point, the surgery groups treated with carprofen had significantly lower arched posture scores than did the surgery group treated with saline only. No significant differences were found between carprofen treatment groups for rearing, grooming, von Frey, activity, or nesting behavior at any time point. These results indicate that subcutaneous carprofen administered at these doses does not provide sufficient analgesia to alleviate postoperative pain in female CD1 mice.

Influence of the Dose and Frequency of Administration of Tramadol on Analgesia, Hematological, Biochemical Parameters, and Oxidative Status of Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the repeated administration of tramadol subcutaneously on postoperative analgesia, liver, kidneys, and oxidative status in the postoperative period of cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Thirty-seven cats were randomly assigned to 5 groups, according to the postoperative analgesic treatment: NaCl 0.9%, GC; tramadol at 2 mg/kg, T2B (q12h) and T2T (q8h); or 4 mg/kg, T4B (q12h) and T4T (q8h). Oxidative status was assessed at baseline, 12 hours and 24 hours after the final administration of tramadol by the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and lipoperoxidation (MDA). Total blood count, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were compared between baseline and 12 hours posttramadol. Postoperative pain was evaluated by applying the Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale at baseline, 3 (T3), 6 (T6), 8 (T8), 12 (T12), 24 (T24) e 36 (T36) hours after extubation. No side effects were observed. Tramadol increased SOD activity while CAT varied among groups in all time points but not over time. MDA levels increased from baseline to 12 hours in all groups but T4T. MPO activity decreased from baseline to 24 hours in some groups, including GC. Creatinine and phosphatase alkaline decreased in T2T, T4B, and T4T at 12 hours. Higher pain scores were observed from T3 to T8, except for GC. Rescue analgesia was administered only at T3. No difference in pain scores was observed from T8 onwards. Based on the findings, it is suggested that tramadol at 2 mg/kg every 8 hours is recommended for postoperative analgesia of cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

[Methods of analgesia and euthanasia in backyard poultry]. / Methoden der Analgesie und Euthanasie in der Hobby-Hühnerhaltung.

INTRODUCTION: The keeping of chickens in the backyard is growing in popularity in urban and suburban areas, numbers of animals are increasing and as a result small animal practitioners are more and more frequently faced with chickens as patient. Clinical conditions in backyard poultry often require the treatment of pain. The challenges regarding the adequate use of analgesics include: 1. Recognition and assessment of pain, which necessitates good knowledge of chicken behaviour, 2. Selection of the adequate drug and dosage based on evidence that is often not available for chickens, but spread over different species of birds, and 3. Implementation of food safety regulations, which result from the dual use of backyard poultry as «food producing pets¼. Analgesics used in chickens include opiates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local analgesics. The opiate butorphanol has been shown to have an analgesic effect of approximately two hours in chickens. Tramadol and methadone show some promise as analgesics, but more evidence is needed especially regarding bioavailability. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs meloxicam and carprofen appear to have an analgesic effect. Variable metabolism between breeds of chickens and the risk of accumulation, especially when used for periods exceeding five consecutive days, need to be taken into account regarding dosage. Lidocaine and bupivacaine have successfully been used in chickens for nerve blocks and spinal anaesthesia and should be included as part of multimodal analgesia especially during surgery. In cases, where termination of life is necessary the preferred method consists of an injectable anaesthesia followed by intravenous application of a barbiturate.

INTRODUCTION: L'élevage de volailles de basse-cour est de plus en plus populaire dans les zones urbaines et suburbaines, le nombre d'animaux augmente et les praticiens pour petits animaux sont, par conséquent, de plus en plus souvent confrontés à ces animaux en tant que patients. Les conditions cliniques des volailles de basse-cour nécessitent souvent le traitement de la douleur. Les défis liés à l'utilisation adéquate des analgésiques sont les suivants 1. La reconnaissance et l'évaluation de la douleur, qui nécessitent une bonne connaissance du comportement des volailles, 2. la sélection du médicament et du dosage adéquats sur la base de preuves qui ne sont souvent pas disponibles pour les volailles mais sont réparties entre différentes espèces d'oiseaux, et 3. la mise en œuvre des réglementations en matière de sécurité alimentaire, qui résultent de la double utilisation des volailles de basse-cour en tant qu'«animaux de compagnie producteurs de denrées alimentaires¼. Les analgésiques utilisés chez les poulets comprennent les opiacés, les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens et les analgésiques locaux. Il a été démontré que l'opiacé butorphanol a un effet analgésique chez les poulets, d'une durée d'environ deux heures. Le Tramadol et la méthadone sont des analgésiques prometteurs, mais des preuves supplémentaires sont nécessaires, notamment en ce qui concerne leur biodisponibilité. Les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens Meloxicam et Carprofen semblent avoir un effet analgésique. En ce qui concerne la posologie, il convient de tenir compte du métabolisme variable selon les races de poules et du risque d'accumulation, en particulier en cas d'utilisation pendant des périodes supérieures à cinq jours consécutifs. La lidocaïne et la bupivacaïne ont été utilisées avec succès chez les poules pour les blocs nerveux ainsi que pour l'anesthésie spinale et devraient être incluses dans l'analgésie multimodale, en particulier pendant la chirurgie. Dans les cas où il est nécessaire de mettre fin à la vie de l'animal, la méthode de choix consiste en une anesthésie injectable suivie d'une application intraveineuse d'un barbiturique.

Comparison of incisional, transverse abdominis plane, and rectus sheath blocks in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesia provided by incisional (Incisional), transverse abdominis plane (TAP), and rectus sheath (RS) blocks in dogs submitted for ovariohysterectomy (OHE). ANIMALS: 22 female mixed-breed dogs were allocated into 3 treatments of Incisional (n = 7), TAP (n = 7), and RS (n = 8) and underwent OHE from April 4 to December 6, 2022. PROCEDURES: After premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and morphine (0.5 mg/kg), anesthesia was induced (6 mg/kg) and maintained (0.4 mg/kg/min) with propofol. Each dog randomly received either an incisional (blind technique), TAP, or RS (ultrasound-guided) block. Intraoperative analgesia was assessed using cardiorespiratory variables. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated up to 6 hours after the operation with a Short Form of Glasgow Pain Scale (SF-GCPS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Fentanyl was administered as a rescue analgesic when needed. RESULT: During surgery, all data remained within normal limits without any significant differences. Fentanyl was administered to 1 dog in the Incisional and 1 in the TAP. Post-operatively, a single dose of fentanyl was given to 1 dog in the TAP and 1 in the RS. Four dogs in the Incisional and 3 in the RS received both doses of fentanyl. There was no significant difference regarding postoperative rescue analgesia among treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All 3 techniques demonstrated acceptable intra- and post-operative analgesia efficacy in dogs undergoing OHE. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Determining a cut-off point for intervention analgesia in rabbits using the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the threshold of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS) indicating the need for intervention analgesia. METHODS: Fourteen members of veterinary staff were recruited to rate rabbits (n = 71) in acute pain. Observers in group A (n = 7) were asked to score each rabbit using the BRPS, while observers in group B (n = 7) independently answered the question 'In your clinical capacity, do you think this animal requires analgesia?' with either 'Yes' or 'No'. The answers from the two groups were then compared. RESULTS: Rabbits for which group B answered 'No' (n = 36) had a median BRPS score (range) of 4 (0-10), while those for which group B answered 'Yes' (n = 42) had a median BRPS score of 9 (1-18; Z = -7.48; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.93; p < 0.001), indicating excellent discrimination of the BRPS with a cut-off score of 5.5 (sensitivity 88.1% and specificity 69.4%). However, for practicality, a score of 5 was deemed a feasible cut-off. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study are the small rabbit sample size and the subjective nature of pain scoring in animals. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesic intervention should be considered in rabbits with a pain score equal to or greater than 5 on the BRPS.

Comparison of intraperitoneal and incisional lidocaine or ropivacaine irrigation for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries.

This study compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal and incisional lidocaine versus ropivacaine in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Dogs randomly received intraperitoneal lidocaine irrigation (4 mg kg-1, diluted to 5 ml kg-1, L group), ropivacaine (4 mg kg-1, diluted to 5 ml kg-1, R group) or 0.9% saline (5 ml kg-1, C group). Prior to skin closure, dogs received incisional lidocaine 2 mg kg-1 (group L), incisional ropivacaine 2 mg kg-1 (group R) or incisional saline 0.2 ml kg-1 (group C). Pain was assessed at different time points up to 24 hours after extubation, using the Short Form-Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and VAS Scale. In group C, postoperative pain scores were significantly higher than in groups L and R from T0.5 to T6 (p < 0.05). In R group, postoperative pain scores were significantly lower than in groups L and C from T12 to T24 (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesia was administered to 5/11 dogs in L group, 1/10 dogs in R group and 8/10 dogs in C group. Groups L and R experienced a significantly lower postoperative pain during the first 6 hours after extubation, compared with group C. Ropivacaine provided lower postoperative pain scores than lidocaine and saline up to 24 hours after extubation. According to the obtained results, ropivacaine seemed to provide better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia compared with lidocaine. Therefore, intraperitoneal and incisional administration of ropivacaine in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgeries is recommended.

Use of pupillometry for the evaluation of analgesia in dogs hospitalized in intensive care: A prospective study.

A prospective study was performed on hospitalized conscious dogs. The objectives were: 1) to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of portable infrared pupillometry using a measure of photo light reflexes, 2) to identify parameters influencing measures, and 3) to compare parameters before and after the administration of analgesia. Twenty-nine dogs were included. Pupillometry was feasible by a single person. There was an excellent reliability for the evaluation of pupil diameter. There was poor to good reliability for the other parameters. There was an association between weight and mean pupil diameter (estimate = 0.1 mm, CI95 = [0.0; 0.1], P = 0.02), mean diameter variation (estimate = 0.2%, CI95 = [0.0; 0.4], P = 0.01), and mean velocity (estimate = 0.08 ms, CI95 = [0.03; 0.13], P = 0.002). Male dogs had a significantly larger mean pupil diameter than females (estimate = 1.3 mm, CI95 = [0.1; 2.5], P = 0.03). Independently of weight and sex, there was an association between mean pupil diameter and pain score: the higher the pain score, the lower the mean pupil diameter. There was a correlation between mean pupil diameter and morphine dose (ρ = -0.78, P = 0.0004). There was no significant difference in pupil diameter, velocity, and latency before and after analgesic administration. In conclusion, results do not support the use of PLR measurement by pupillometry as a pain assessment technique in hospitalized conscious dogs.