Anaesthesia and pain management
Pain scoring, NSAIDs in cats, anaesthetic risk and monitoring: 10 questions from everyday practice.
Question 1 / 10
Which is a validated tool for assessing acute pain in dogs?
Correct answer: A. The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale short form (CMPS-SF)
The CMPS-SF was developed and validated for acute pain in dogs; for cats there are the Glasgow CMPS-Feline and the Feline Grimace Scale. Using a scale routinely bases pain assessment on criteria rather than impressions and guides changes to analgesia.
Question 2 / 10
What does the Feline Grimace Scale assess?
Correct answer: A. Ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whisker change and head position
The Feline Grimace Scale scores five action units: ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whisker change and head position. It is validated for acute pain in cats, quick to learn and reflects the response to analgesia well.
Question 3 / 10
Using NSAIDs in cats:
Correct answer: B. Is possible with products licensed for cats, at the right dose, taking hydration and kidney function into account
Cats clear some drugs, including some NSAIDs, slowly, so drug choice and dosing matter. The ISFM/AAFP consensus holds that NSAIDs licensed for cats (e.g. meloxicam, robenacoxib) are effective and safe in well-selected patients, including stable chronic kidney disease with careful monitoring. Rule out hypovolaemia and dehydration first. Human NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are dangerous to cats.
Question 4 / 10
An ASA class III patient is:
Correct answer: C. A patient with severe systemic disease
ASA: I healthy; II mild systemic disease; III severe systemic disease; IV severe disease that is a constant threat to life; V moribund. In veterinary patients ASA III and above carry a markedly higher risk of anaesthetic death, so they need more thorough preparation and monitoring.
Question 5 / 10
When do most anaesthetic-related deaths in dogs and cats occur?
Correct answer: C. After surgery, mostly in the first 3 hours
In a large multicentre study (CEPSAF, UK) about half of anaesthetic-related deaths in dogs and more in cats occurred after surgery, mostly within the first 3 hours. Monitoring does not end at extubation: keep checking breathing, temperature, mucous membranes and pain during recovery.
Question 6 / 10
Which is one of the most common anaesthetic complications, especially in small patients?
Correct answer: A. Hypothermia
Anaesthesia impairs thermoregulation and small patients lose heat fast. Hypothermia slows recovery and drug metabolism and raises the risk of infection and bleeding. Warm from premedication onwards (forced-air blankets, warmed fluids), limit wet surfaces and monitor temperature through the procedure and recovery.
Question 7 / 10
Under AAHA's 2020 guidelines, how long should a healthy adult dog be fasted before elective anaesthesia?
Correct answer: B. 4–6 hours, with water allowed
AAHA's 2020 guidelines recommend fasting healthy adult dogs and cats for 4–6 hours before elective procedures, with water allowed. Prolonged fasting brings no benefit and may increase gastric acidity. Very young, diabetic and regurgitation-prone patients need an individual plan.
Question 8 / 10
What does capnography show during anaesthesia?
Correct answer: A. Exhaled CO2: ventilation, correct intubation and, indirectly, circulation
Capnography (EtCO2) measures CO2 with every breath. It immediately shows hypo- and hyperventilation, intubation problems, apnoea and circuit leaks, and a sudden fall in EtCO2 can signal a sharp drop in cardiac output or cardiac arrest. Oxygen saturation is measured by pulse oximetry.
Question 9 / 10
What does multimodal analgesia mean?
Correct answer: B. Combining analgesics and techniques with different mechanisms, e.g. an opioid, an NSAID and local anaesthesia
Pain arises through several pathways, so combining drugs with different mechanisms (opioids, NSAIDs, local and regional anaesthesia, ketamine and others) gives better analgesia at lower doses with fewer side effects. Local blocks are cheap, safe and highly effective, and WSAVA encourages their wide use.
Question 10 / 10
When is it best to start analgesia?
Correct answer: B. Before the painful stimulus, from premedication, then guided by pain scoring
Preventing central sensitisation is easier than treating established pain, so analgesia starts with premedication and continues after surgery, guided by regular pain scoring. General anaesthesia removes awareness but does not fully block nociception.
Your result
0/ 10
Pain management starts before the procedure, while monitoring continues through recovery and beyond. A plan, objective assessment and timely adjustment make anaesthesia safer.
This quiz is for information only. Base prevention and treatment decisions on current regulations and clinical guidelines.
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