Commonly used drugs for pain control and anesthesia.

 

This is brief summary and partial list of some of the most commonly used medical drugs used in small animal veterinary medicine.  It is important to remember that only a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine should handle and administer.  ALL animals should be properly monitored and have trained personnel who are able to provide CPR and any other life saving measures if needed.  EVERY animal MUST be treated as an individual as there are many factors that will dictate which drug, or combination of drugs are appropriate for the procedure at hand.  Factors that can determine which drugs to be used include, but are not limited to, are species, breed, sex, age, body condition score, pre-existing health conditions, procedure at hand, and anticipated pain level of procedure. Most DVM’s will use combinations of  these drugs for the best results.

 

1) NSAIDS- non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  This class of drugs blocks PGF2-alphas, which are a chemical produced by injured tissues.. (This is how when you have a head ache, and you take an aspirin, the aspirin “knows” to go to your head, and not your toe!).  WARNING! NEVER GIVE HUMAN NSAIDS TO ANIMALS! The only exception to this rule is BUFFERED aspirin, and should only be given to DOGS when directed by and supervised by a licensed veterinarian.

Examples of commonly used veterinary NSAIDS are Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, Etogesic, Banamine, and Phenylbutazone (aka “Bute” generally used in horses).

ALL NSAIDS are capable of causing GI damage (ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea), kidney and liver damage.

 

2) Steroids- This class of drugs has multiple ways of effecting the body, a list to long and detailed to cover in this article.  Some of the more common uses include chronic pain management, allergic conditions , inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune disease management.

Examples of commonly used steroids are Prednisolone (“Pred”), Dexamethasone, and Depo Medrol.

Common side effects include increased water consumption, increased urination, GI side effects, increased appetite, weight gain and possible personality changes (may become more aggressive/ grumpy).

 

3) Opiods- This class of drugs has “mild” drugs and the “big guns”.  By this I mean some drugs provide mild pain relief and mild CNS depression, while others can cause profound pain relief and CNS depression.  The amount of pain relief and CNS effects is also dependant on the amount of drug given., and route given.

Examples of commonly used opiods (in increasing potency) are- codeine, butorphanol (aka “Torb”), Buprenix, morphine, fentanyl, and M9

Editor’s Note: This stuff is HOT! DEADLY HOT! Used for giant exotic animals, such as rhinos and elephants.  It is 100,000 times more potent than morphine and if it touches human skin, you are dead-instantly!

 

4) Alpha Agonist- In general, these drugs cause CNS depression. Effects are dose and route dependant.

Examples are- Xylazine and Medetomide (Dormitor).

 

5) Barbiturates- Again, in general causes CNS depression and are dose dependant. 

Examples are - Pentobarbital, Thiopental, and Phenobarbital. 

Side effects can include cardiac and respiratory depression, mental dullness, GI side effects and liver side effects.

 

6) Anticonvulsants- This class of drugs also causes CNS depression and are dose and route dependent. They can also cause sedation, reduce anxiety, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxation.

Example- Valium (diazepam)

 

7) Antidepressants- This class of drugs mostly reduce anxiety with the most common drug used in veterinary medicine being amitriptyline.

 

8) Dissociatives- This class of drugs is highly dose dependant with multiple side effects including hallucinations, muscle spasms, seizures cardiac and respiratory depression just to name a few.

Example - Ketamine

 

9) Inhalants-This class of drugs are administered in a gas form mixed with oxygen and cause CNS depression.  Side effects include cardiac and respiratory depression and vomiting.  Examples- Isoflurane, Sevoflurane and Halothane.