Investigation of veterinary attitudes towards perioperative pain management in Iranian Veterinary Schools

The prevention and alleviation of pain associated with surgery is the main responsibility of veterinarians. At present, no information regarding veterinary attitudes towards the management of pain in surgical patients in Iranian Veterinary Schools is available. In this study, the attitudes and the current practice of anesthesia and the availability and prescription of analgesic drugs for perioperative pain management in small and large animals have been investigated in 9 Iranian Veterinary Schools. In general, the results of this pilot study indicate that the management of pain in animals is suboptimal and inadequate. Although all clinics had access to several NSAIDs, actual prescription rate was low. Opioids were routinely available only in one clinic. In an attempt to improve the attitudes of veterinarians towards the management of pain, organizing continuing education programs on the topic of pain management and revision in the veterinary medical teaching curriculum are required. Availability of opioids may also play a significant role in the improvement of postoperative pain management in animals.