Postoperative pain-associated behaviour in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

The aim of the present study was to identify postoperative behaviour associated with pain in cats after ovariohysterectomy. Behaviour of cats treated with butorphanol was compared with that of a control group. Cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were observed continuously for 24 hours. Time of observation was divided into preoperative, postoperative/pre-treatment, and postoperative/post-treatment. 10 hours after the administration of the pre-medication patients received randomised and blinded either butorphanol (treatment group) or the equivalent amount of 0.9 % NaCl (control group) i.m. Behaviour was compared between the treatment- and the control group as well as between the different phases of observation. Parameters chosen were activity, grooming, and wound contact. Cats receiving butorphanol postoperatively, showed more wound contact compared with the control group. These cats were also significantly more active than animals of the control group. Comparing the postoperative time phases before and after the medication, patients of the treatment group showed significantly more comfort behaviour and wound contact than prior to medication. Pain is reflected in altered behaviour that is changed by treatment with analgesic drugs. There is no doubt that analgesics are required with surgical procedures. Determination of the presence of pain in cats can be made on the basis of continuous observation of the species specific behaviour by a single trained observer.