A global survey of attitudes and practices of veterinarians about pain management in cats

This study investigated attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding feline pain management and how these could be influenced by demographics, knowledge, drug availability and types/severity of pain. An online survey (English, French, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and German languages) was disseminated worldwide using convenience sampling. Data were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis. A total of 2194 answers were received from 88 countries, mainly from Europe (38%) and Asia (23.4%). Respondents rated their knowledge of acute (49.3%) and chronic (40.7%) pain assessment as good. The Feline Grimace Scale (43.6%) was the most used acute pain assessment instrument. A total of 40.8% of respondents did not use any chronic pain assessment instrument. Meloxicam (76.4%) and buprenorphine (48.1%) were the most frequently used analgesics in acute pain and were associated with respondents who considered availability of injectable formulation as important. Meloxicam (62.6%) and robenacoxib (25.2%) were the most frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) in chronic pain. Limited knowledge of pain assessment was commonly reported in Asia, Africa and South America. Preoperative and postoperative administration of NSAIDs/opioids was associated with respondents from Europe and North America, and Asia, South America and Africa, respectively. The lack of NSAID/opioid administration in cats undergoing surgery was associated with Asia. The less frequent administration of meloxicam was associated with respondents who did not consider drug palatability and degree of perioperative pain as important. This study identified geographical areas with limited knowledge and drug availability, which may influence analgesic practices based on type/severity of pain and conditions.