Efficacy and safety of preoperative etodolac and butorphanol administration in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Eighteen dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were premedicated with etodolac, butorphanol, or their combination. Various parameters, such as blood pressure, isoflurane requirements, behavioral pain scores, plasma cortisol concentration, plasma glucose concentration, and mucosal bleeding time, were assessed. The integrated plasma cortisol values were significantly lower in the etodolac and etodolac with butorphanol groups. Dogs receiving etodolac and butorphanol had the lowest behavioral pain scores from extubation until the end of monitoring. Isoflurane concentration over time (area under the curve), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and indices of renal function were not significantly different among the treatment groups.     

Post-operative analgesic effects of butorphanol or firocoxib administered to dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the post-operative analgesic effects of butorphanol or firocoxib in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty-five dogs >1 year of age.MethodsDogs received acepromazine intramuscularly (IM), 0.05 mg kg^?1 and either butorphanol IM, 0.2 mg kg^?1 (BG, n = 12) or firocoxib orally (PO), 5 mg kg^?1 (FG, n = 13), approximately 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia with propofol. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed by the same surgeon. Pain scores using the dynamic and interactive visual analog scale (DIVAS) were performed before and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 20 hours after the end of surgery by one observer, blinded to the treatment. Rescue analgesia was provided with morphine (0.5 mg kg^?1) IM and firocoxib, 5 mg kg^?1 (BG only) PO if DIVAS > 50. Groups were compared using paired t-tests and Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05). Data are presented as mean ± SD.ResultsThe BG required significantly less propofol (BG: 2.6 ± 0.59 mg kg^?1; FG: 5.39 ± 0.7 mg kg^?1) (p < 0.05) but the anesthesia time was longer (BG: 14 ± 6, FG: 10 ± 4 minutes). There were no differences for body weight (BG: 7.9 ± 5.0, FG: 11.5 ± 4.6 kg), sedation scores, and surgery and extubation times (BG: 10 ± 2, 8 ± 5 minutes; FG: 9 ± 3, 8 ± 4 minutes, respectively) (p > 0.05). The FG had significantly lower pain scores than the BG at 1, 2 and 3 hours following surgery (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesia was administered to 11/12 (92%) and 2/13 (15%) dogs in the BG and FG, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevanceFirocoxib produced better post-operative analgesia than butorphanol. Firocoxib may be used as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol but may not be effective as a sole analgesic.     

Postoperative hypoxemia and hypercarbia in healthy dogs undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy or castration and receiving butorphanol or hydromorphone for analgesia

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency and severity of postanesthetic hypoxemia and hypercarbia in healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or castration and given butorphanol or hydromorphone for analgesia. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 0 healthy dogs weighing > 10 kg (22 lb). PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthestized with acepromazine, glycopyrrolate, thiopental, and isoflurane, and butorphanol (n = 10) or hydromorphone (10) was used for perioperative analgesia. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed 10 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after extubation. RESULTS: In dogs that received hydromorphone, mean PaCO2 was significantly higher, compared with the preoperative value, 10 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 3 hours after extubation. Mean PaCO2 was significantly higher in dogs given hydromorphone rather than butorphanol 10 and 30 minutes and 1 and 2 hours after extubation. Mean PaO2 was significantly lower, compared with preoperative values, 30 minutes and 1 and 2 hours after extubation in dogs given hydromorphone and 30 minutes after extubation in dogs given butorphanol. Mean PaO2 was significantly lower in dogs given hydromorphone rather than butorphanol 1 hour after extubation. Four dogs had PaO2 < 80 mm Hg 1 or more times after extubation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that administration of hydromorphone to healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or castration may result in transient increases in PaCO2 postoperatively and that administration of hydromorphone or butorphanol may result in transient decreases in PaO2. However, increases in PaCO2 and decreases in PaO2 were mild, and mean PaCO2 and PaO2 remained within reference limits.     

Comparison of preoperative carprofen and postoperative butorphanol as postsurgical analgesics in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare carprofen to butorphanol, with regard to postsurgical analgesic effects, duration of analgesia, and adverse side effects. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: Seventy-one cats, 0.5-5 years of age, weighing 3.24 +/- 0.61 kg, undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). METHODS: Cats were premedicated with subcutaneous atropine (0.04 mg kg(-1)), acepromazine (0.02 mg kg(-1)), and ketamine (5 mg kg(-1)). Anesthesia was induced with ketamine (5 mg kg(-1)) and diazepam (0.25 mg kg(-1)) given intravenously, and maintained with isoflurane. There were three treatment groups: group C (4 mg kg(-1) carprofen SC at induction), group B (0.4 mg kg(-1) butorphanol SC at end of surgery), and group S (0.08 mL kg(-1) of sterile saline SC at induction and end of surgery). Behavioral data were collected using a composite pain scale (CPS), prior to surgery (baseline) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours post-surgery. Interaction scores were analyzed separately. Cats with CPS scores >12 received rescue analgesia (meperidine, 4 mg kg(-1), intramuscular). RESULTS: Sixty cats completed the study. The CPS scores did not differ significantly between groups C and B at any time period. CPS scores for groups B and C were significantly increased for 12 hours post-surgery, and in group S for 20 hours. Both group C and B CPS scores were significantly lower than group S in this 20-hour postoperative period, except at 4 hours (B and C) and at 3 and 8 hours (B alone). Interaction scores for group C returned to preoperative baseline 4 hours after surgery, while both groups B and S remained increased for at least 24 hours post-surgery. Nine cats required meperidine. CONCLUSION: In this study, carprofen provided better postsurgical analgesia than butorphanol. Clinical relevance Neither drug completely abolished pain, however preoperative carprofen provided better pain control compared with postoperative butorphanol in the 24-hour period following OHE surgery in cats.     

Analgesic effect of butorphanol in ponies following castration

Reasons for performing study: In the UK butorphanol has a marketing authorisation for administration to horses for sedation in combination with detomidine, and at a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg bwt), for the alleviation of pain. There is only a limited number of clinical studies designed to examine the analgesic effects of butorphanol administration following surgery. Objective: To investigate the effect of premedication with butorphanol on post operative pain following castration under general anaesthesia in ponies. Hypothesis: Ponies receiving butorphanol would experience less pain after castration than ponies that did not receive butorphanol. Methods: A randomised, observer blinded clinical study in which 20 ponies received butorphanol and detomidine (Group B) or detomidine alone (Group C). Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and diazepam and open castration performed. Pain was assessed by one individual using a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS) 100 mm in length (0 = no pain, 100 mm the maximum possible pain for that procedure). ‘Rescue’ analgesia was administered when DIVAS >50 mm and was butorphanol i.v. On the second occasion DIVAS was >50 mm, flunixin was administered i.v. Data from the DIVAS were analysed using a Mann Whitney Test. Results: Only one animal did not require rescue analgesia after surgery (Group C). DIVAS were not significantly different between groups (P = 0.063). Conclusions and potential relevance: Castration is sufficiently painful that administration of a single preoperative dose of butorphanol does not provide adequate post operative analgesia.     

Preoperative and postoperative hemostatic profiles of dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Hemostatic profiles were evaluated in 15 healthy dogs immediately before and 24 hours after celiotomy for routine ovariohysterectomy. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products, antithrombin III activity, platelet count, and hemogram were measured. There were no significant changes in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrin degradation products, antithrombin III activity, or platelet count. Fibrinogen concentration was significantly higher following surgery. Postoperative leukocyte differential counts were typical of stress leukograms, and were characterized by leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and eosinopenia. Mild decreases in packed cell volume, red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration were consistent with minor blood loss during surgery or fluid retention and hemodilution postoperatively. It was concluded that celiotomy and routine ovariohysterectomy in healthy dogs did not alter hemostatic profiles 24 hours after surgery. Abnormal postoperative hemostatic profiles should not be attributed to surgery alone; other causes of abnormal hemostatic profiles should be investigated.     

Comparison of laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate technique, complication rates, postoperative pain scores, and clinical outcomes in dogs after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOVH) or traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-four intact female dogs, weighing 2.4-31 kg. METHODS: LOVH (16 dogs) was performed by ligation of the uterus and ovaries with surgical wire, and then removal by an assisted laparoscopic technique. OVH was performed in 18 dogs. Subjective and objective pain scores were assigned at 0, 2, 8, and 24 hours. Surgical time, complications, and pain and incision scores were evaluated. Dogs were followed for up to 6 months. RESULTS: The mean surgical time for LOVH (120 minutes; range, 47-175 minutes) was significantly longer than for OVH (69 minutes; range, 25-140 minutes). Significantly lower pain scores (subjective, in 2 of 10 categories; objective, in 8 of 10 categories) were identified with LOVH at 1 or more time periods. Surgical complications with LOVH were postoperative fever and anorexia (1 dog), minor splenic (3) or pedicle hemorrhage (4), intermittent vaginal hemorrhagic discharge (1), and suture reaction (3). Surgical complications with OVH were hemorrhage from an ovarian pedicle requiring reoperation (1 dog), dehiscence of the abdominal wall (1), and seroma (1). Anesthetic complications included hypotension in 8 OVH dogs and 1 LOVH dog, and hypothermia in 4 OVH and 9 LOVH dogs. The mean incision scores were lower for LOVH at all time periods. CONCLUSION: LOVH was performed successfully in young nonparous dogs >10 kg. Surgical time and complication rates were greater; however, LOVH postoperative pain scores were < or =OVH scores. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LOVH is a potentially safe surgical alternative to traditional OVH in dogs. Equipment cost and necessity for more than 1 surgeon may limit its usefulness in small animal practice.     

Evaluation of nalbuphine,butorphanol and morphine in dogs during ovariohysterectomy and on early postoperative pain

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of nalbuphine, butorphanol and morphine combined with acepromazine on intraoperative and early postoperative pain management in dogs anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy.Study designProspective, randomized blinded clinical study.AnimalsA total of 48 healthy female dogs of different breeds, aged 1–6 years, weighing (mean ± standard deviation) 14.5 ± 4.8 kg.MethodsDogs were randomly assigned into four groups to be intravenously administered nalbuphine (0.5 mg kg^–1; group N0.5), nalbuphine (1.0 mg kg^–1; group N1.0), butorphanol (0.4 mg kg^–1; group B0.4) or morphine (0.2 mg kg^–1; group M0.2) combined with acepromazine (0.02 mg kg^–1) prior to propofol and isoflurane for anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, systolic arterial pressure and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at time points during anesthesia. A dynamic interactive visual analog scale applied in three phases (DIVAS I, II and III) and the modified Glasgow composite measure pain scale were used to assess pain before premedication and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours after extubation. Administration of rescue analgesia was recorded.ResultsAt the left ovarian pedicle ligation, HR was higher in N1.0 than in B0.4 (p = 0.020). RT decreased significantly by the end of surgery in N0.5 (p = 0.043) and B0.4 (p = 0.010). Rescue analgesia was administered postoperatively over 6 hours to eight, seven, nine and 10 dogs in N0.5, N1.0, B0.4 and M0.2, respectively (p = 0.57). DIVAS II was higher in B0.4 than in N1.0 at 2 and 3 hours (p = 0.038 and p = 0.002, respectively) and N0.5 at 3 hours (p = 0.003).Conclusions and clinical relevanceAt the doses used, all premedication protocols provided insufficient intraoperative analgesia, with minimal clinical differences between groups. No premedication provided satisfactory analgesia in the first 6 hours postoperatively.     

Analgesic effect of butorphanol and levomethadone in detomidine sedated horses

The analgesic potency of butorphanol 25 microg/kg bodyweight (BW) and levomethadone 100 microg/kg BW, administered together with detomidine 10 microg/kg BW, was measured in twelve Warmblood horses in a randomized, blinded cross-over study. Detomidine with saline 10 ml 0.9% was used as placebo. The nociceptive threshold was determined using a constant current and a pneumatic pressure model for somatic pair Detomidine alone and in combination with butorphanol or levomethadone caused a significant temporary increase (P < 0.05) of the nociceptive threshold with a maximum effect within 15 min and a return to baseline levels within 90 min. Butorphanol and levomethadone increased the nociceptive threshold and prolonged the duration of anti-nociception significantly from 15 to 75 min (P < 0.05) after drug administration compared with detomidine alone to both test methods. No significant difference between butorphanol and levomethadone was registered. It is concluded that the addition of butorphanol or levomethadone to detomidine increases the nociceptive threshold to somatic pain and prolongs the analgesic effect of detomidine in the horse.     

Analgesic effects of epidurally administered levogyral ketamine alone or in combination with morphine on intraoperative and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic and adverse effects of epidurally administered levogyral (S[+]) ketamine alone or in combination with morphine on intraoperative and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: 30 dogs scheduled for ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. Dogs in group 1 received S(+) ketamine (1 mg/kg), dogs in group 2 received S(+) ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and morphine (0.05 mg/kg), and dogs in group 3 received S(+) ketamine (1 mg/kg) and morphine (0.025 mg/kg). The skin was incised 15 minutes after epidural administration of analgesics. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, and arterial blood gases were obtained before anesthesia, 15 minutes after epidural administration of analgesics, 15 and 30 minutes after initiation of surgery, and at the end of surgery. During the intraoperative period, an increase of > or =20% in baseline values for HR, RR, and SBP was considered a sign of intraoperative pain. Signs of pain and adverse effects were assessed at 2, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in intraoperative or postoperative measurements among the 3 groups. No dogs had intraoperative signs of pain. Mean postoperative pain assessment scores were <3.5 in all 3 groups. Salivation was the most frequent adverse effect in dogs in groups 1 and 3, and sedation occurred more frequently in dogs in groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All 3 analgesic regimens provided good respiratory and cardiovascular stability intraoperatively and adequate postoperative analgesia with minimal adverse effects.     

Effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on anesthetic requirements and signs of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on anesthetic requirements and signs of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 22 clinically normal client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: 60 minutes before induction of anesthesia, 11 dogs were given ketoprofen (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], i.m.), and the other 11 were given saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Dogs were premedicated with glycopyrrolate, acepromazine, and butorphanol and anesthetized with thiopental; anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed by an experienced surgeon, and butorphanol was given 15 minutes before completion of the procedure. Objective behavioral scores and numerical pain scores at rest and with movement were recorded every 2 hours for 12 hours after surgery and then every 4 hours for an additional 12 hours. RESULTS: Preoperative administration of ketoprofen did not reduce the dose of thiopental required to induce anesthesia or the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane required to maintain anesthesia. Activity levels and median objective behavioral scores were significantly higher 4 and 6 hours after surgery in dogs given ketoprofen than in dogs given saline solution. However, mean numerical pain scores in dogs given ketoprofen were not significantly different from scores for dogs given saline solution at any time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that preoperative administration of ketoprofen does not reduce anesthetic requirements in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy but may reduce signs of pain after surgery. Results also suggest that the objective behavioral score may be a more sensitive measure of acute postoperative pain than traditional numerical pain scores.     

The effect of nitrous oxide on halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane requirements in ventilated dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of 64% nitrous oxide (N2O) on halothane (HAL), isoflurane (ISO) or sevoflurane (SEV) requirements in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Ninety, healthy dogs of (mean +/- SD) body weight 21.2 +/- 10.0 kg and age 17.8 +/- 22.8 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After premedication with acepromazine, hydromorphone and glycopyrrolate, anesthesia was induced with thiopental administered to effect. Dogs received one of six inhalant protocols (n = 15 group): HAL; HAL/N2O; ISO; ISO/N2O; SEV; or SEV/N2O. End-tidal CO2 was maintained at 40 +/- 2 mmHg with intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). Body temperature, heart rate, indirect systemic arterial blood pressures, inspired and end-tidal CO2, volatile agent, N2O and O2 were recorded every 5 minutes. The vaporizer setting was decreased in 0.25-0.5% decrements to elicit a palpebral reflex, and this level maintained. Statistical analysis included two-way anova for repeated measures with Bonferroni's correction factor and statistical significance assumed when p < 0.05. Percentage reduction in end-tidal volatile agent was calculated at 60 minutes after starting study. RESULTS: End-tidal HAL, ISO and SEV decreased when N2O was administered. Percentage reduction: HAL (12.4%); ISO (37.1%) and SEV (21.4%). Diastolic, mean and systolic blood pressures increased in ISO/N2O compared with ISO. Heart rate increased in ISO/N2O and SEV/N2O compared with ISO and SEV, respectively. Systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures increased in SEV compared with HAL and ISO. Systolic, mean, diastolic blood pressures and heart rate increased in SEV/N2O and ISO/N2O compared with HAL/N2O. CONCLUSIONS: N2O reduces HAL, ISO and SEV requirements in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Cardiovascular stimulation occurred when N2O was used with ISO, less so with SEV and not with HAL     

Analgesic efficacy of preoperative administration of meloxicam or butorphanol in onychectomized cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of preemptive administration of meloxicam or butorphanol in cats undergoing onychectomy or onychectomy and neutering. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. ANIMALS: 64 female and 74 male cats that were 4 to 192 months old and weighed 1.09 to 705 kg (2.4 to 15.5 lb). PROCEDURE: Cats received meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], s.c.) or butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg [0.18 mg/lb], s.c.) 15 minutes after premedication and prior to anesthesia. A single blinded observer measured physiologic variables, assigned analgesia and lameness scores, and withdrew blood samples for each cat at baseline and throughout the 24 hours after surgery. Rescue analgesia (butorphanol, 0.4 mg/kg, i.v. or s.c.) or administration of acepromazine (0.025 to 0.05 mg/kg [0.011 to 0.023 mg/lb], i.v.) was allowed. RESULTS: Meloxicam-treated cats were less lame and had lower pain scores. Cortisol concentration was higher at extubation and lower at 1, 5, and 12 hours in the meloxicam-treated cats. Fewer meloxicam-treated cats required rescue analgesia at 3, 5, 12, and 24 hours after extubation. General impression scores were excellent or good in 75% of meloxicam-treated cats and 44% of butorphanol-treated cats. There was no treatment effect on buccal bleeding time; PCV and BUN concentration decreased in both groups, and glucose concentration decreased in meloxicam-treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative administration of meloxicam improved analgesia for 24 hours without clinically relevant adverse effects in cats that underwent onychectomy or onychectomy and neutering and provided safe, extended analgesia, compared with butorphanol.     

A comparison between pre-operative carprofen and a long-acting sufentanil formulation for analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of a novel, long-acting sufentanil preparation in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, positively controlled, randomized field trial with four parallel treatment groups. ANIMALS: Eighty client owned dogs undergoing elective OHE randomly allocated into four treatment groups (each n = 20). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups received intramuscular (IM) sufentanil (at 10, 15 and 25 microg kg(-1), respectively) and the control group received subcutaneous (SC) carprofen 4 mg kg(-1) SC plus acepromazine 0.05 mg kg(-1) IM as pre-anaesthetic medication. OHE was performed under thiopental/halothane anaesthesia. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain and sedation were awarded and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were measured at the wound and hock before surgery and up to 24 hours after tracheal extubation. Serum cortisol was measured before surgery, during surgery and up to 24 hours after tracheal extubation. Animals with inadequate post-operative analgesia were given rescue medication. RESULTS: In the carprofen group, VAS pain scores were significantly higher, wound tenderness was greater and requirement for rescue analgesia was more than in the sufentanil-treated groups. Sufentanil produced dose dependent analgesia and sedation. All treatment groups showed similar patterns of change for cortisol concentrations. Use of the sufentanil preparation was associated with a relatively high incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The long-acting preparation of sufentanil provided excellent post-operative analgesia that was significantly better than that provided by carprofen. However, use of this formulation, in the anaesthetic technique used in the study, resulted in a relatively high incidence of adverse effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Full mu (MOP) opioid agonists provide significantly better post-operative analgesia than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after moderately painful surgery. However, the widely recognized adverse effects of opioids may preclude the use of these agents.     

Comparison of intraperitoneal ropivacaine and bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Objective

To compare postoperative analgesia following either intraperitoneal (IP) ropivacaine or bupivacaine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in the scope of multimodal analgesia.

Effect of carprofen, etodolac, meloxicam, or butorphanol in dogs with induced acute synovitis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of single doses of carprofen, etodolac, meloxicam, and butorphanol in dogs with induced acute synovitis (acute pain model) via kinetic gait analysis and orthopedic evaluation and examine measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration as an indicator of treatment efficacy. ANIMALS: 12 Beagles and 6 additional Beagles that were used only in serum CRP analyses. PROCEDURE: Acute synovitis was induced in right stifle joints of dogs via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate solution. Treatments included butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.), carprofen (4 mg/kg, PO), etodolac (17 mg/kg, PO), or meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, PO); control dogs received no treatment. The procedure was repeated (3-week intervals) until all dogs received all treatments including control treatment. Lameness was assessed on a biomechanical force platform and via orthopedic evaluations of the stifle joints; blood was collected to monitor serum CRP concentration. RESULTS: Compared with control dogs, treated dogs had significantly different vertical ground reaction forces and weight-bearing scores. Greatest improvement in lameness was observed in carprofen-treated dogs. Etodolac had the fastest onset of action. Compared with butorphanol treatment, only carprofen and etodolac were associated with significantly lower pain scores. An increase in serum CRP concentration was detected after intra-articular injection in all dogs; this change was similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carprofen, etodolac, and meloxicam had greater efficacy than butorphanol in relief of acute pain. Carprofen was most effective overall. In this acute pain model, serum CRP analysis was not useful to assess drug efficacy.     

Clinical use of a low-dose medetomidine infusion in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Eight healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy were anesthetized with a standard protocol and received a low-dose medetomidine constant rate infusion during surgery. Cardiorespiratory parameters, including non-invasive cardiac output, were measured at various times. This protocol resulted in acceptable and stable cardiovascular performance, allowed low isoflurane concentrations, and provided smooth recoveries.