Comparison of the effects of preoperative meloxicam and firocoxib on postoperative pain and stress in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the administration of preoperative different analgesics on postoperative pain and stress management in dogs in the present study. Thirty dogs were divided into three equal groups according to their size. While analgesic was administered to the dogs in the Firocoxib (5 mg/kg, n=10) or Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, n=10) groups 1 h before the operation, the dogs in the Control (n=10) group did not receive analgesia during the preoperative period. The ventral midline approach for ovariohysterectomy operation of all dogs was performed by the same experienced veterinarian. Heart rate, capillary filling time, and rectal temperature were measured in the preoperative 1 h, postoperative 1, 2, 4, and 24 h. Glasgow, Melbourne, and Colorado pain scoring were performed and blood samples were also collected to determine serum cortisol concentration. Whole blood analysis was conducted in the preoperative period and in the postoperative 24 h. Although there was no statistical difference between the groups in rectal temperature, heart rate, Glasgow pain score, serum cortisol level, and some blood parameters (p>0.05), there was a time-related difference (p<0.05). In comparison with the perioperative period, it was determined the lowest level of rectal temperature and heart rate and increased Glasgow pain score and serum cortisol concentration in the postoperative 1 h. It was determined that serum cortisol concentration continued to increase in the postoperative 2nd h and decreased in the postoperative 4th h. Although the increment of physiological parameters, pain score, and serum cortisol level decreased to preoperative levels at the postoperative 24th h, a stress leukogram was detected in the whole blood analysis. The neutrophil/lymphocyte rate was higher in the control group compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the pain was more severe in the first postoperative hours in all groups but there was no difference between the treatment groups and the control group in postoperative pain. It was concluded that administering analgesics during the preoperative time and monitoring postoperative pain and inflammatory response are crucial in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.