A Comparison of Four Methods of Analgesia In Cats Following Ovariohysterctomy

Karen M. Tobias
Ralph C. Harvey, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
JM Byarlay

Abstract

Objective:  To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative administration of oral carprofen, subcutaneous ketoprofen, and local nerve block with bupivacaine in preventing postoperative pain-associated behavior in cats after ovariohysterectomy.

Animals:  Fifty-two female intact cats.

Materials and methods:  Cats received butorphanol (0.44 mg kg−1 IM), carprofen (2.2 mg kg−1 PO), ketoprofen (2.2 mg kg−1 SQ), or bupivacaine infiltration block (1.1 mg kg−1 SQ) before surgery. Cortisol and drug concentrations and visual analog scale (VAS) and interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) pain-associated behavior scores were measured 2 hours before and 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after ovariohysterectomy.

Results:  Cats receiving butorphanol had significantly increased IVAS scores 2 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements. Cats receiving carprofen, ketoprofen, and bupivacaine had significant increases from baseline in VAS and IVAS scores 1 and 2 hours after surgery. VAS and IVAS scores for cats receiving bupivacaine were significantly greater 1 and 2 hours after surgery than for cats that received butorphanol. Cats receiving carprofen had significant increases in cortisol 1 hour after surgery and significant decreases 24 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:  Preoperative carprofen and ketoprofen have effects on pain-associated behavior similar to butorphanol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Cats receiving bupivacaine blocks may require additional analgesics immediately after surgery.