Relieving Pain: Assessment and Management of Post-Operative Pain in Dogs and Cats was developed by Karol A. Mathews, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care, and was created and produced by Jonkar Computer Systems.

This interactive software package allows veterinarians to assess post-operative pain in dogs and cats by providing pre-analgesic and post-analgesic treatment video clips accompanied by detailed explanations of various pain behaviours in each case presented. A variety of actual post-operative cases are presented and in each case the participant is asked to examine and assess the animal's behaviour. A potential problem, such as pain, dysphoria or anxiety exists, where the medication, dosage and route of administration must be selected to treat the problem.

Seven cases, a fracture, anterior cruciate repair, onychectomy, hemi-laminectomy, amputation and thoracotomy are presented. The seventh case requires the participant to outline a pre-, intra- and post-operative analgesic regimen. The type of case is not the important aspect of the exercise, the assessment of pain with appropriate selection of analgesic and dosage is the key.

Descriptions of the various types of behaviour associated with pain, dysphoria, anxiety or normalcy are provided. An easy access reference to opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics and sedatives complete with the indications and contraindications and appropriate dosages for various degrees of pain and situations, is provided. Critiques for drug selection are also provided with alternative suggestions where appropriate. Where complications with drug selection may be present, the participant is notified.

The treatment selected and the potential complications are discussed for each case. The objectives of each case scenario are discussed highlighting the important features to be noted.

There is a detailed video on the placement of epidural analgesics. A reference library is included to allow the participant to further review the area of pain assessment and management.

The package sells for $150.00 for a single user, $250.00 for multiple users, and is available through Jonkar Veterinary Systems Limited.