Efficacy of diclofenac sodium, either alone or together with cefotaxime sodium, for control of postoperative pain, in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

There is not much data about diclofenac sodium as anti -inflammatory drug in veterinary practice, therefore the objectives of the present study were to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of diclofenac sodium on its own and together with cefotaxime Na as postoperative pain control in dogs. A prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial was carried out on twenty mongrel bitches undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. The operated bitches were assigned to one off our groups according to postoperative injections: Group 1 (given diclofenac and cefotaxime), group 2 (control), group 3 (given cefatoxime only) and group 4 (given diclofenac only). Examinations were performed postoperatively using a pain scale modified from University of Melbourne at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24 h. Statistical analysis of results was done. The results of the present study showed that groups (1 and 4) had mean pain score which were not significantly different from each other and different from groups (2 and 3) significantly. From three hours post-operative till twenty four hours post-operative, groups (2 and 3) recorded mean pain scores which were significantly higher than groups (1 and 4). On the other hand, groups 2 and 3 were not statistically different from each other. Also, groups 1 and 4 were not statistically different. In conclusion diclofenac sodium is an excellent analgesic for postoperative pain in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.