Evaluation of tramadol, an "atypical" opioid analgesic in the control of immediate postoperative pain in dogs submitted to orthopedic surgical procedures

Abstract

The degree of analgesia after the preemptive administration of tramadol or flunixin meglumine was evaluated in thirty dogs submitted to orthopedic surgical procedures. Dogs received tramadol (2mg/kg) or flunixin meglumine (1.1mg/kg). Cardiovascular and respiratory depression were not observed during anesthesia. Animals treated with tramadol showed a higher score of analgesia. The quality of recovery of animals treated with tramadol was much better as it was free from excitation and discomfort, and presented a higher degree of sedation. We could conclude that tramadol can be applied successfully in preemptive analgesia, since recovery from anesthesia is accompanied by adequate analgesia and is free from excitation and discomfort.