Analgesic effect of the transdermal fentanyl patch during and after feline ovariohysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of the transdermal fentanyl patch in relieving perioperative pain and stress associated with ovariohysterectomy in cats.


METHODS
Prospective laboratory trial.


METHODS
Twenty-four female, purpose-bred cats.


METHODS
Each cat was randomly assigned to groups 1-3. Group 1 received a 25-microg/h transdermal fentanyl patch only. Group 2 received the patch and anesthesia. Group 3 received anesthesia only. Patches were left in place for 72 hours. Rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, indirect blood pressure, blood glucose, serum cortisol concentration, plasma fentanyl concentration, pain score, and excitement/sedation score were monitored at prescribed intervals over an 81-hour period. Cats from groups 1-3 were reassigned to groups 4 and 5. Group 4 received the patch, anesthesia, and an ovariohysterectomy. Group 5 received anesthesia and an ovariohysterectomy only. The study period and monitored parameters were the same as for groups 1-3.


RESULTS
Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in group 4 than group 5 during the surgical and early postsurgical time periods. A similar effect was noted in blood glucose concentrations during the surgical period. Rectal temperature was significantly higher in group 2 when comparing all anesthetized groups during the early postsurgical period. Pain scores were significantly higher in groups 4 and 5 than in groups 2 and 3 during the early postsurgical period. There was no significant difference in pain scores between groups 4 and 5 during this period, however.


CONCLUSIONS
The transdermal fentanyl patch affects biochemical markers of perioperative pain and stress associated with ovariohysterectomy in cats, attenuating rises in serum cortisol and blood glucose concentrations during the surgical and early postsurgical periods.


CONCLUSIONS
The transdermal fentanyl patch is effective in alleviating perioperative pain and stress associated with ovariohysterectomy in cats as evidenced by attenuated rises in cortisol and blood glucose concentrations in cats that were operated on and treated with the patch.
Glerum
L E
LE
Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Egger
C M
CM
Allen
S W
SW
Haag
M
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000698:Analgesia / Q000662:veterinary*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D001786:Blood Glucose; D005283:Fentanyl; D006854:Hydrocortisone