Analgesia and Chemical Restraint for the Emergent Veterinary Patient

Frequently, analgesics are withheld in the emergent patient based on common misconceptions. Concerns expressed are that analgesics “mask” physiologic indicators of patient deterioration or that potential toxicity and adverse reactions associated with drug administration outweigh the benefits gained. Appropriate selection of drugs and doses as described in this article allow the veterinarian to achieve analgesia, in addition to sedation or restraint when needed, without unwarranted fears. Guidelines are provided for typical situations encountered in trauma patients to provide a safe starting point for providing analgesia. Caution required in these cases is also discussed, with emphasis on individualization of the approach to analgesia and chemical restraint.