Research in veterinary science
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The post-operative analgesic effects of ketamine after canine ovariohysterectomy--a comparison between pre- or post-operative administration.
Thirty-six female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomly allocated into three groups in this assessor-blinded study. The control group received no ketamine, the preketamine group were given ketamine (2.5 mg kg(-1)i.m.) at anaesthetic induction (in addition to the induction agents), the post-ketamine group received ketamine (2.5 mg kg(-1)i.m.) at extubation. ⋯ Administration of ketamine post-operatively delayed the onset of post-operative wound hyperalgesia; dogs in the control group had the greatest amount of post-operative wound hyperalgesia. A single subanaesthetic dose of ketamine provided effective but short acting analgesia and preoperative administration may confer some benefits over administration post-operatively.