by Gregory K. Ogilvie DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Internal Medicine, Oncology)
Professor, Comparative Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University
Comprehensive management of pain involves careful evaluation and treatment of each cat. Adequate pain control must be the highest goal for the veterinary practitioner to maximize quality of life, response to therapy, and survival time. Pain control in veterinary medicine has only recently come into the forefront of attention, primarily because of the inappropriate attitudes of clinicians, lack of knowledge about analgesic medications, and lack of skill in assessing pain and appropriate therapeutic methods. In many cases, analgesics have been withheld because of the fear of adverse side effects associated with these drugs and because very little research exists demonstrating the beneficial effects of pain relief in veterinary patients. Despite this, pain relief is and must be one of the very highest goals of the veterinary caregiver.
Fentanyl patches are becoming an important part of pain management for the cat. This is because fentanyl provides quality pain control with few adverse effects. In addition, the transdermal system bypasses the need to orally medicate the cat. This article reviews the mechanism of cancer pain and situations in which fentanyl patches may be of value and discusses the clinical use of these patches.
