Page 189 - BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice

BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice

VetBooks.ir CASE EXAMPLE 1 CONTINUED 3

HISTORY AND PRESENTATION In ammation,
ulceration and
infection of
Both male and female rats possess a large masses can
amount of mammary tissue extending from increase the level
the inguinal region to the shoulders. Mammary of discomfort
signi cantly.
masses can develop ventrally, typically in the © Jenna Richardson
inguinal region or behind the front legs (Figure
7. 4 . Although usually benign 8 9
broadenomas , surgical removal may be
necessary as the masses can grow very large
and limit the mobility of the patient.

prior to surgery. Parenteral NSAI s and opioids
can be given pre-emptively to the patient.
Buprenorphine is often chosen as it has a 6 8
hour duration of action (Gades et al.,
and is readily available in clinical practice in
multi dose bottles. A dose of . mg kg
administered subcutaneously has been shown
to be most e ective Curtin et al., 9 . or
extensive procedures, consideration should be
Fibroadenomas can grow very large and
3 signi cantly a ect mobility. given to pure mu opioids such as methadone
© Jenna Richardson or morphine. These are shorter-acting drugs
and will need repeated administration every
CLINICAL SIGNS AND SIGNS OF PAIN 4 hours.
Typically, small rodents are induced for a
Clinically overt signs of discomfort in the early general anaesthetic using inhalation
stages can be limited. Reduced ambulation anaesthesia of sevo urane or iso urane
and feeding may be identi ed. Rats are social vapori ed in oxygen in an induction chamber
creatures so there may be increased bullying igure 7. 6 . hey are then maintained via a
by companions. Large masses can become
in amed igure 7. , ulcerated and infected,
leading to signi cant pain, and the rat may
persistently groom the site.

TREATMENT
Pre emptive analgesia should be administered
in these cases. The use of non-steroidal
anti in ammatory drugs NSAI s such as
meloxicam is encouraged and can be
provided orally as a suspension. Opioids (e.g.
tramadol provided orally in li uid form are Inhalation anaesthetic o ers no
also commonly used. However, in many cases, 3 analgesic properties in rats.
the use of opioids is withheld until immediately © Jenna Richardson

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