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Adjunctive analgesic therapy in veterinary medicine
1Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3. llamont@upei.ca
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice
|October 29, 2008
Summary
This review explores pharmacologic adjunctive analgesic therapies for veterinary pain management. It details the safety, efficacy, and use of agents like medetomidine and gabapentin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Traditional analgesics (opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics) are standard for pain relief.
- Adjunctive analgesic therapies offer alternative or complementary pain management strategies.
- These therapies can be pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pharmacologic adjunctive analgesic therapies for veterinary medicine.
- To discuss the pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and use of specific agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacologic interventions.
- Focus on agents with potential as adjunctive analgesics in animals.
- Discussion of medetomidine, ketamine, amantadine, gabapentin, systemic lidocaine, and pamidronate.
Main Results:
- Selected pharmacologic agents show potential as adjunctive analgesics.
- Evidence for safety and efficacy varies among agents.
- Guidelines for clinical use in veterinary patients are provided.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacologic adjunctive therapies offer valuable options for veterinary pain management.
- Careful consideration of pharmacology, safety, and efficacy is crucial for appropriate use.
- Further research may refine guidelines for these agents.
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