Comparison effects of pre-emptive gabapentin and meloxicam for postoperative pain in white new zealand rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy using the grimace scale

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Gabapentin in controlling postoperative pain in New Zealand white rabbits after ovariohysterectomy. Twenty sexually mature and healthy female rabbits were divided into four groups: a negative control, Meloxicam treatment, Gabapentin treatment, and Meloxicam plus Gabapentin treatment. After the surgery, the rabbits" pain levels were assessed using the Grimace Scale at various time points. The Gabapentin group consistently had the lowest Grimace Scale scores. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the Meloxicam group and the negative control, the Gabapentin plus Meloxicam group and the negative control, the Gabapentin group and the negative control, and the Gabapentin group and the Gabapentin plus Meloxicam group. Postoperative analgesia was significantly better in the Meloxicam, Gabapentin, or combined treatment groups compared to the negative control. Gabapentin was found to be equally effective as Meloxicam in controlling pain. However, the combination of Meloxicam and Gabapentin was not as effective as Gabapentin alone. In conclusion, Gabapentin showed preventive efficacy in controlling postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy in New Zealand white rabbits. These findings suggest that Gabapentin could be a valuable analgesic option for surgeons to provide adequate pain control in this surgical context. Further research is needed to explore optimal dosing and potential synergistic effects when combining Gabapentin with other analgesics.