Use of three infusion pumps for postoperative administration of buprenorphine or morphine in dogs.

Results of using an implantable osmotic pump, a preset disposable infusion pump, or a reusable programmable infusion pump for postoperative administration of buprenorphine or morphine in dogs undergoing abdominal surgery are described. Ten dogs underwent abdominal surgery for implantation of vascular access ports. Dogs were given buprenorphine s.c. by use of an implantable osmotic pump (4 dogs), morphine s.c. by use of a preset infusion pump (4), or buprenorphine intra-arterially by use of a programmable infusion pump (2). Dogs were monitored, and serum buprenorphine or morphine concentration was measured for 72 hours after surgery; pumps were removed 48 hours after surgery. Severity of pain was determined by assigning a pain score. The preset infusion pump and the programmable infusion pump resulted in comparable pain relief and sustained serum analgesic concentrations throughout the recovery period. However, the cost of the pumps and other associated factors may limit their use to dogs undergoing invasive surgical procedures expected to result in substantial postoperative pain. The level of analgesia obtained with the implantable osmotic pumps was inconsistent.