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.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
22 clinically normal client-owned dogs.


METHODS
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
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.
Lemke
Kip A
KA
Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
Runyon
Caroline L
CL
Horney
Barbara S
BS
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000662:veterinary; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication / Q000662:veterinary*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007660:Ketoprofen