Comparison between analgesic effects of buprenorphine, carprofen, and buprenorphine with carprofen for canine ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

To compare the analgesic effects of buprenorphine, carprofen, and their combination in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Prospective, randomized blinded clinical study. 60 dogs. Treatments were buprenorphine 0.02 mg kg -1, intramuscularly (IM) (group B); carprofen 4 mg kg-1, subcutaneously (SC) (group C); or a combination of both (group CB). Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. A Dynamic Interactive Visual Analog Scale (DIVAS, 0-100 mm) and the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (GCMPS, 0-24) were used to evaluate comfort and sedation at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after extubation. Rescue analgesia was provided with buprenorphine (0.02 mg kg-1). Wound swelling measurements (WM) and a visual inflammation score (VIS) of the incision were made after surgery and 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours later. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Group C required more propofol (5.0 ± 1.4 mg kg-1) compared with B (3.3 ± 1.1 mg kg-1) and CB (3.2 ± 0.7 mg kg-1); respectively, p = 0.0002 and 0.0001. Rescue analgesia was required in nine dogs. B had a higher GCMPS and DIVAS III score at 6 hours (2.6 ± 2.5) and (23 ± 22.5 mm) compared with C (1.0 ± 1.3, 6 ± 7.3 mm) and CB (1.5 ± 1.4, 8 ± 10.7 mm); respectively, p = 0.02 and 0.006. Group C had a lower sedation score at 2 hours (43 ± 23.6 mm) compared with B (68 ± 32.1 mm) and BC (69 ± 22.1 mm); respectively, p = 0.03 and 0.004. Group B had a higher WM score at 2 hours (3 ± 0.8 mm) compared with C (2 ± 0.6 mm) p = 0.01 and at 6 hours (3 ± 1 mm) compared with C (2 ± 0.8 mm) and CB (2 ± 0.8 mm); respectively, p = 0.01 and 0.008. VIS was not different between groups. All treatments provided satisfactory analgesia for the first 6 hours and at 24 hours. C and CB pain score and WS were superior to B at 6 hours. No superior analgesic effect was noted when the drugs were combined. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation 2007 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists.