Factors affecting the use of postincisional analgesics in dogs and cats by Canadian veterinarians in 2001.

Factors affecting the postincisional use of analgesics for ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in dogs and cats were assessed by using data collected from 280 Canadian veterinarians, as part of a national, randomized mail survey (response rate 57.8%). Predictors of analgesic usage identified by logistic regression included the presence of at least 1 animal health technician (AHT) per 2 veterinarians (OR = 2.3, P = 0.004), and the veterinarians' perception of the pain caused by surgery without analgesia (OR = 1.5, P < 0.001). Linear regression identified the following predictors of veterinarians' perception of pain: the presence of more than 1 AHT per 2 veterinarians (coefficient = 0.42, P = 0.048) and the number of years since graduation (coefficient = -0.073, P < 0.001). Some of these risk factors are similar to those identified in 1994. The results suggest that continuing education may help to increase analgesic usage. Other important contributors may be client education and a valid method of pain assessment.