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[Pain therapy in small pets].
Sabine Tacke1, Andrea Gollwitzer, Lukas Grammel
1Prof. Dr. Sabine Tacke, Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Klinik für Kleintiere, Chirurgie, Veterinärmedizinische Anästhesiologie, Schmerztherapie und perioperative Intensivmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 108, 35392 Gießen,
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere
|January 19, 2017
Summary
Providing adequate pain relief for small domestic animals presents unique challenges due to limited drug approvals and dosage complexities. This review details suitable analgesics and pain assessment methods for these pets.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Pain management in small domestic animals is complex, unlike in cats and dogs.
- Ethical considerations necessitate adequate pain therapy for all animals.
- Limited drug approvals and empirical dosing complicate analgesic use in small pets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review suitable analgesics for small domestic animals.
- To explain indications for various analgesic types.
- To discuss pain detection and algesimetry in small domestic animals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of available analgesics for small domestic animals.
- Discussion of challenges in dosage and administration.
- Exploration of pain assessment tools, including grimace scales.
Main Results:
- Small animals often require higher doses per bodyweight.
- Drug dilution and frequent manipulation can increase stress and pain.
- Facial expression analysis (grimace scales) is a developing tool for pain detection.
Conclusions:
- Specific analgesics and administration strategies are crucial for effective pain management in small domestic animals.
- Improved pain detection methods are vital for accurate assessment and treatment.
- Further research into analgesics and their application in small pets is warranted.
