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Behavioural effects of ovariohysterectomy and oral administration of meloxicam in laboratory housed rabbits

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Matthew Leach, Dr Claire Richardson, Dr Johnny RoughanORCiD, Emeritus Professor Paul FlecknellORCiD

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Abstract

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.


Publication metadata

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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