Pain Management for Special Feline Cases

March 26, 2009

Mathews, K. A. (2008). “Pain management for the pregnant, lactating, and neonatal to pediatric cat and dog.” Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(6): 1291-308, vi-vii.

The majority of the information available to veterinarians on pain management for small animals is for the mature patient. Pregnant and lactating queens and neonates have received little attention or investigation. Unfortunately, this means that pain management is often avoided for these patients, due to concerns over adverse effects. The purpose of this review article is to focus on commonly available analgesics for these special patients. During pregnancy, opioids are the preferred analgesic for both women and animals. For example, opioids may be used to control pain associated with caesarean section with little or no effect on neonates. For lactating animals, opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used. Opioids are also often used for pediatric patients, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are avoided in animals under 6 weeks of age. The risks and benefits of each class of drug, as well as a table of drugs and dosages are included. Dissemination of such information will help provide pain relief to some of the most vulnerable patients in veterinary medicine. [SL]
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Related articles:
Dyson, D. H. (2008). “Perioperative Pain Management in Veterinary Patients.” The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice 38(6): 1309-1327.
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Robertson, S. and P. Taylor (2004). “Pain management in cats – past, present and future. Part 2. Treatment of pain – clinical pharmacology.” J Fel Med Surg 6(5): 321-333.
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