Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pain scale tested for cats after spay surgery
By Brondani, Juliana Tabarelli et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2011·Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Refinement and initial validation of a multidimensional composite scale for use in assessing acute postoperative pain in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 40 cats that had surgery to spay (ovariohysterectomy) were assessed for pain after their procedure using a new pain scale. This scale looked at various signs of pain, including how the cats moved, their posture, comfort level, activity, and vocal sounds. The researchers found that the scale was effective in distinguishing between cats that received pain relief medication and those that did not. This tool can help veterinarians better understand and manage pain in cats after surgery, ensuring they receive the appropriate care for a smoother recovery.
People also search for: cat pain after spay surgery · how to tell if my cat is in pain · cat pain relief options after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To refine and test construct validity and reliability of a composite pain scale for use in assessing acute postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. SAMPLE POPULATION: 40 cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy in a previous study. PROCEDURES: In a previous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a composite pain scale was developed to assess postoperative pain in cats that received a placebo or an analgesic (tramadol, vedaprofen, or tramadol-vedaprofen combination). In the present study, the scale was refined via item analysis (distribution frequency and occurrence), a nonparametric ANOVA, and item-to-total score correlation. Construct validity was assessed via factor analysis and known-groups discrimination, and reliability was measured by assessing internal consistency. RESULTS: Respiratory rate and respiratory pattern were rejected after item analysis. Factor analysis resulted in 5 dimensions (F1 [psychomotor change], posture, comfort, activity, mental status, and miscellaneous behaviors; F2 [protection of wound area], reaction to palpation of the surgical wound and palpation of the abdomen and flank; F3 [physiologic variables], systolic arterial blood pressure and appetite; F4 [vocal expression of pain], vocalization; and F5 [heart rate]). Internal consistency was excellent for the overall scale and for F1, F2, and F3; very good for F4; and unacceptable for F5. Except for heart rate, the identified factors and scale total score could be used to detect differences between the analgesic and placebo groups and differences among the analgesic treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results provided initial evidence of construct validity and reliability of a multidimensional composite tool for use in assessing acute postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21281191/