EXPRESS: Acute Pain in Cats: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Argentine Veterinarians - A Survey-Based Study.

Argentine veterinarians value acute pain assessment in cats but lack standardized tools implementation and continuing education.

This cross-sectional survey evaluated acute pain management knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 154 Argentine veterinarians between January and September 2024. While 95% of respondents considered acute pain assessment in cats important, significant gaps existed between perceived importance and clinical application. Two-thirds reported dissatisfaction with undergraduate pain management training, and 45% encountered treatment challenges despite considering their recognition skills adequate. Although 82% routinely assessed pain in cats, only 56% employed standardized assessment tools, with the Feline Grimace Scale being most commonly used. Notable demographic differences emerged, with female veterinarians demonstrating greater pain assessment frequency and improved familiarity with standardized scales compared to male colleagues. Participants unanimously expressed strong preference for continuing education delivered through online platforms. The findings highlight a critical disconnect between veterinarians' attitudes toward feline pain management and actual clinical implementation, suggesting that enhanced undergraduate curriculum development and accessible continuing education in pain assessment methodologies could substantially improve clinical outcomes in acute pain management for cats.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.