Surgeon experience affects perioperative pain in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy: a randomized clinical...

This study aimed to compare the outcomes between surgeries performed by either experienced or inexperienced surgeons by assessing intraoperative nociception and perioperative analgesia.

16 healthy, client-owned female cats were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 8: one undergoing surgery by an experienced surgeon (GES group) and the other by inexperienced surgeons (GIS group). Both groups received IM premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and methadone (0.3 mg/kg). After 20 minutes, venipuncture and induction with propofol (dose-response, IV) were performed. Maintenance was achieved with inhaled isoflurane. Intraoperative vital parameters were monitored, and fentanyl (2.5 µg/kg, IV) was administered as rescue analgesia when needed. Postoperatively, pain was assessed with a visual analog scale and the multidimensional pain scale of the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Botucatu; morphine (0.2 mg/kg, IM) was used for rescue analgesia, as necessary.

In the GIS group, significant increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure were noted during surgery, especially during pedicle clamping. Respiratory rate and end-tidal isoflurane levels were higher in the GIS group at specific surgical stages. Survival analysis indicated that the GIS group had a greater need for fentanyl. Postoperative pain scores were generally low, but a higher proportion of GIS cats required rescue analgesia.

Surgeon experience influences intraoperative parameters and fentanyl consumption. Inexperienced surgeons contribute to increased postoperative pain and poorer wound healing outcomes in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.

Ovariohysterectomy is a common procedure in veterinary practice, and surgical expertise significantly impacts pain management and recovery. Yet, its effects have been underexplored, potentially compromising animal welfare.