Pain induced by a minor medical procedure (bone marrow aspiration) in dogs: comparison of pain scales in a pilot study.

摘要

Background: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is a clinical procedure frequently performed in dogs. Objective: To compare levels of pain intensity induced by 3 different BMA procedures using several pain scoring instruments. Animals: Sixteen healthy Beagles. Methods: A prospective experimental pilot study was conducted using blinded observers. Dogs were randomized into 3 groups: iliac BMA under sedation (Iliac-Sed, n=4), sternum BMA under sedation (Stern-Sed, n=4), and sternum BMA on conscious dogs without sedation (Stern-No-Sed, n=8). Results: Using the SF-Glasgow pain scale, the overall pain score in the Stern-No-Sed group was lower than that in the Stern-Sed group (P=0.04). Using the 4A-VET pain scale, the effects of procedures over time on pain scores did not differ between and within groups. An inactivity index indicated that the overall score for the Stern-No-Sed group was significantly lower than the scores for the Stern-Sed and Iliac-Sed groups (P<=0.01). There was a significant association in pain assessment using the SF-Glasgow and 4A-VET pain scales (P=0.0004). When comparing the SF-Glasgowscale to the 4AVET pain scale, the scores for the Stern-No-Sed group were lower compared to those of the Stern-Sed scores (P=0.03). Based on telemetered motor activity, the Iliac-Sed group may have experienced more discomfort during the postprocedural period. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs may experience mild to moderate pain after BMA procedures, and the sternal site should be preferred. The SF-Glasgow pain scale showed better interobserver reliability, but the 4A-VET scale was less biased by sedation.