Comparison of the analgesic effects of pentazocine and ketoprofen in onychectomized cats

The effectiveness of analgesia provided by the intramuscular (i.m) injection of a single dose either of ketoprofen (20mg/kg) or pentazocine (20mg/kg) was compared in cats undergoing onychectomy. Scores were assigned for the degree of pain, lameness, temperament and appetite at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 24 hours post-operatively. Heart and respiratory rates, as well as rectal temperature were also measured as indices of pain over the same period of time. In this study, either of ketoprofen or pentazocine produces better (i.e. lower) scores than the control group for the degree of pain, lameness, temperament and appetite within the first 2-3 hours. Heart and respiratory rates were also lower than the control group while there was no significant (P>0.05) alteration in rectal temperature. It was concluded that single i.m dose of both ketoprofen and pentazocine are somewhat equally effective and safe in healthy cats and that analgesia is beneficial following onychectomy in cats. (Tropical Veterinarian: 2002 20(2): 101-111)