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Comparison of Gel and Injection Delivered Carprofen for Post‐Operative Pain Management in Mice
Author(s) -
Giuvelis Denise,
Palmer Jay,
Bergquist Ivy,
Harding Lisa,
Brazeau Daniel,
Bilsky Edward
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.893.5
Subject(s) - carprofen , medicine , anesthesia , analgesic , abdominal surgery , pain management , surgery
Post‐operative pain management in laboratory animals can be a challenge from both a delivery and cost perspective. The purpose of this study was to determine if carprofen could be effectively delivered to mice using dietary gel technology. Efficacy was assessed by measurement of a reduction in pain behaviors following ovariectomy in mice. Control or carprofen‐formulated gels were made available to animals ad libitum 24 hrs prior to surgery and throughout the recovery period. Subcutaneous carprofen injections were given 30 min prior to surgery and at 24, 48 and 72 hrs post‐surgery. Groups receiving carprofen had quicker recoveries of bodyweight compared to vehicle injections. Behavioral pain assessment included open‐field measurement of locomotor activity and tactile hypersensitivity (abdominal von Frey). The carprofen gel group had similar reductions in pain behaviors compared to animals treated with conventional injections of the analgesic. Pharmacokinetic measurements of carprofen plasma levels indicated that the gel and injection delivery methods yielded equivalent plasma levels of the analgesic at all time points. These studies suggest that the gel technology represents a convenient and cost effective alternative to traditional post‐operative pain management in mice. This work was supported by a contract from ClearH2O to the University of New England.