Evaluation of Oral Robenacoxib for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain and Inflammation in Cats: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Table 6
Summary of secondary efficacy variables.
Variable
Description
Scale
Posture
Cat’s mobility and posture within the cage
(1) Normal
(2) Mildly abnormal
(3) Moderately abnormal
(4) Severely abnormal
Behavior
Cat’s overall comfort, levels of aggression and vocalization, and ease of handling
Behavior as viewed from a distance
(1) Appears comfortable
(2) Questionable comfort
(3) Distressed animal
Behavior following social interaction
(1) Normal
(2) Mildly abnormal
(3) Moderately abnormal
(4) Severely abnormal
Pain on palpation
Amount of pressure applied to sites adjacent to incisions that elicited a pain response (e.g., withdrawal of paw, discomfort, or vocalization).
Paw onychectomy. Pressure assessed using a Palpometer∗. Response based on audio feedback:
(1) 5 beeps (greatest recorded pressure)
(2) 4 beeps
(3) 3 beeps
(4) 2 beeps
(5) 1 beep (lightest recorded pressure)
Castration or ovariohysterectomy skin incision. Based on subjective evaluation:
(1) Significant pressure
(2) Moderate pressure
(3) Slight pressure
Overall pain control
Subjective overall assessment
(1) Well controlled
(2) Moderately controlled
(3) Poorly controlled
The index finger mounted device (Palpometer, University of Victoria Innovation and Development Corp. Victoria, BC, Canada) scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 beeps corresponded to pressures of 200, 300, 450, 600, and 800 gf/cm2, respectively [22]. All devices were calibrated before use.
