RAR’S STANDARD POST-OPERATIVE ANALGESIA
For Post-Operative Pigs, Sheep, and Dogs
NOTE: This is the routine plan, subject to modification. RAR vets shall alter the analgesic plan whenever medically indicated.
If administration of any of these medications would interfere with your study, please notify the Post-Op vet tech so the medication is not given. The vet tech will also note this restriction in RAR’s medical record for the animal.
SPECIES |
SURGICAL PROCEDURE |
||
Skin Incision Only: OPIOID [1 DAY] |
Entering Body Cavity/Joint: OPIOID + NSAID* [3 DAYS] |
Thoracotomy/Sternotomy: OPIOIDS + NSAID* [3 DAYS] |
|
Dog |
Buprenorphine (0.3 mg/ml) |
Buprenorphine + Rimadyl |
Fentanyl + Rimadyl (+Buprenorphine on 1st day) |
Pig/Sheep |
Buprenorphine (2 mg/ml) |
Buprenorphine + Ketoprofen |
Fentanyl + Ketoprofen (+Buprenorphine on 1st day) |
DOSES & USAGE:
NSAIDs* |
Dose & Route |
Frequency & Usage Notes |
Rimadyl® (carprofen) |
2 mg/kg PO or SC |
q24hrs. Can give half dose q12hrs. |
Ketofen® (ketoprofen) |
1-2 mg/kg PO, SC, IV, or IM |
q24hrs. Give 2 mg/kg 1st dose, then 1 mg/kg thereafter. |
*The use of NSAIDS may be contraindicated where animals are already receiving anticoagulants or where coagulant response is an important part of the protocol. NSAIDs should be used with caution in animals undergoing gastric procedures.
OPIOIDS |
Dose & Route |
Frequency & Usage Notes |
Buprenex® (0.3 mg/ml) (Buprenorphine) |
0.01 mg/kg IM (Dog) |
Administer q4hrs day of surgery. Animal usually receives 2 doses on day of surgery. Last dose between 3-7 pm. 3rd half or full dose can be given if needed. After that, use BID prn. |
Buprenorphine (2 mg/ml) |
0.01 mg/kg IM (Sheep) 0.03 mg/kg IM (Pig) |
|
Fentanyl Transdermal |
2.5-5 mcg/hr per kg Example: 10-20kg: use 50mcg/hr patch 20-30kg: use 75mcg/hr patch 30-40kg: use 100mcg/hr patch (Combine patches as needed for increased weight) |
Applied day of surgery. Removed after 3 days.
Supplement on first day of Fentanyl patch with Buprenorphine (see Buprenorphine usage notes above) |
If animals are anticipated to be painful after Post-Op closes (7 pm), RAR will notify group as soon as possible so that investigators can plan to come in late in the evening to administer a dose of analgesic (perhaps around 9-11 pm). This should be rare.