Attitude and concern of Italian veterinary practitioners toward management of pain in dogs and cats.

As previously done in other European Countries by other Authors, in order to assess the attitude of Italian practitioners on pain management in companion animals, a questionnaire was sent to about 4.500 Italian veterinarians to gather information about demographic characteristics, concern in analgesia in daily practice, assessment of pain, analgesic drugs used, attribution of pain degrees and continuing education. Questionnaires were returned by 176 respondents, a response rate of 4%. The response rate was influenced by gender and by age. Ethical and medical considerations were the most important reasons cited to treat pain. Fear of drugs side effects and lack of information were used to explain inadequate provision of analgesia. Pain evaluation was mainly based on behavioural modifications in both dogs and cats; abnormal postures and response to palpation were considered good indicators in dogs, while in cats alteration in respiratory rate and modification of appetite were preferred. Slipped disc, otitis (only in dogs), peritonitis, pancreatitis, bone tumours, thoracotomy and mammary, orthopaedic and dental surgery were the medical and surgical conditions considered most painful. Opioid agonists and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly used analgesics. Among opioids, the most employed were butorphanol and buprenorphine, and among NSAIDs, the most popular was carprofen followed by meloxicam. Many veterinarians considered their knowledge of management of pain to be inadequate. Lectures or seminars were the preferred format for continuing education. The responses regarding pain management reveal the need for more open discussion, adjustment of attitudes and initial and continuing education on recognition and alleviation of pain.