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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Matthew Leach, Dr Claire Richardson, Dr Johnny RoughanORCiD, Emeritus Professor Paul FlecknellORCiD
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This study aimed to develop a behaviour-based pain assessment system for rabbits following ovariohysterectomy. Behaviour was analysed to assess the severity and duration of pain induced and determine the effects of administration of meloxicam. The results suggest that pain associated with ovariohysterectomy induced changes in the frequency and duration of a number of behaviours. The most indicative was inactive pain behaviour, which was observed very infrequently prior to surgery compared to very frequently immediately following surgery. This strongly suggests that this increase is a direct response to the surgical pain and/or stress. The frequency of inactive pain behaviour also decreased over the four days post-surgery suggesting that pain is decreasing during this time. High dose meloxicam (initial 1 mg/kg followed 0.5 mg/kg/day) induced some degree of analgesia. However, higher doses of meloxicam or in combination with an opioid may be required to provide consistent analgesia in rabbits following soft-tissue surgery. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Leach MC, Allweiler S, Richardson C, Roughan JV, Narbe R, Flecknell PA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Research in Veterinary Science
Year: 2009
Volume: 87
Issue: 2
Pages: 336-347
ISSN (print): 0034-5288
ISSN (electronic): 1532-2661
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.02.001
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.02.001
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