loading page

Perioperative pain management protocols of veterinarians in the United States for horses undergoing routine orchiectomy (castration)
  • D Sellon,
  • Macarena Sanz,
  • Jamie Kopper
D Sellon

Corresponding Author:dsellon@wsu.edu

Author Profile
Macarena Sanz
Washington State University
Author Profile
Jamie Kopper
Iowa State University
Author Profile

Abstract

Background: Analgesic protocols related to orchiectomy or castration of young horses vary widely depending on geographic location, educational background of the veterinarian, and other demographic factors. Specific practices of equine veterinarians in the United States (US) have not been reported. Objectives: To determine perioperative pain management practices of equine veterinarians in the US as they relate to castration of young male horses. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey Methods: An internet-based questionnaire included items related to analgesic drugs used in association with castration of healthy yearling colts. Demographic and educational factors associated with routine recommendation of analgesic medications after castration were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Responses from 146 equine veterinarians in the US revealed that 112/146 (76.7%) administered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) at the time of castration. Routine recommendation of post-castration analgesia was associated with veterinarians who were employed in a multi-veterinarian practice, completed their veterinary education after 2000, and provided a higher pain severity score for horses at 24 hours after a routine castration. Main Limitations: Possible distribution, self-selection, response, and recall biases as a result of convenience sampling methodology. Conclusions: Perioperative pain management practices vary widely among US veterinarians but the majority of veterinarians, especially more recent graduates, recommend administration of an NSAID.
23 Feb 2023Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
27 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 Apr 20231st Revision Received
27 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Jun 20232nd Revision Received
16 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
16 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
21 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Accept