Effect of postoperative analgesic protocol on limb function following onychectomy in cats (original) (raw)

Onychectomy in cats is associated with significant postoperative pain, often inadequately managed compared to dogs. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of topical bupivacaine, intramuscular butorphanol, and transdermal fentanyl in 27 adult cats undergoing onychectomy, using pressure-platform gait analysis to assess limb function pre- and post-surgery. Results indicated that although the function was significantly better in fentanyl and butorphanol groups than in the bupivacaine group on day 2, all groups showed reduced limb function up to 12 days post-surgery, highlighting the need for prolonged analgesic treatment.