Perioperative use of analgesics in dogs and cats by Canadian veterinarians in 2001.
A random sample of 652 Canadian veterinarians was surveyed to determine perioperative use of analgesics in dogs and cats following common surgeries. The response rate was 57.8%. With the exception of taildocking in puppies, at least 85% of animals received preincisional analgesics, and 30% to 98.1% received postincisional analgesics. A similar survey was conducted in 1994; since then, analgesic usage has increased markedly, as have ratings of the pain caused by different surgeries. In 2001 most veterinarians (62%) used at least 2 classes of analgesic perioperatively. However, strong opioids, local anesthetics, and alpha-2 agonists were underused, and there was an overreliance on weak opioids (butorphanol, meperidine). Up to 12% of veterinarians did not use any analgesics. Nationally, this may have affected many animals monthly; for example, approximately 6000 dogs or cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Continuing education (provincial level) and review articles were considered effective ways to inform veterinarians about optimal analgesic practices.
Hewson
Caroline J
CJ
Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown.
Dohoo
Ian R
IR
Lemke
Kip A
KA
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000700:Analgesics