Randomised clinical trial comparing the perioperative analgesic efficacy of oral tramadol and intramuscular tramadol in cats

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of oral tramadol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Twenty-four female domestic cats, American Society of Anesthesiologists class I, aged 4–24 months, were included in this positive controlled, randomised, blinded clinical trial. Cats admitted for ovariohysterectomy were allocated to group oral tramadol (GOT, n = 12) or group intramuscular tramadol (GIMT, n = 12). In GOT, tramadol (6 mg/kg) was given orally 60 mins, and saline was given intramuscularly 30 mins, before induction of anaesthesia. In GIMT, granulated sugar in capsules was given orally 60 mins and tramadol (4 mg/kg) intramuscularly 30 mins befor..