Time-Course Analysis of Pain and Biochemical Stress Responses After CanineGastrotomy

Gastric obstruction in dogs is a common condition that requires surgical removal of the obstruction.Gastrotomy is painful, stressful, and requires appropriate postoperative care.The aim of this study was to examine the physiological changes, including pain, stress, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide levels, after gastrotomy in dogs.Data were collected at five time points: before surgery, immediately after extubation, and on days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively.Pain scores, stress, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide), total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide levels were measured.On day 1 postoperatively, the dogs showed increased pain scores, neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio, and malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05), while total antioxidant capacity and hydrogen peroxide levels decreased (P<0.05).After extubation, body temperature and respiratory rate decreased (P<0.05),whereas heart rate increased (P<0.05).Additionally, nitric oxide levels after extubation and on day 1 postoperatively were significantly lower than those measured before surgery and on days 3 and 7 postoperatively (P<0.05).These phenomena indicate that gastrotomy has an impact on the physiological responses of dogs, especially during the 24 hours following surgery.Therefore, it is important to manage pain, oxidative stress, and inflammation during this time.Indicators such as stress, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide levels can help veterinarians determine an effective treatment plan for dogs undergoing gastrotomy.