Evaluating the Effectiveness of Tramadol in the Management of Postoperative Pain in Dogs: A Systematic Review

Background: Effective management of postoperative pain is essential for animal welfare and optimal recovery. The combined impact that tramadol has on opioid receptors and its ability to suppress serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake have led to its widespread application in the treatment of chronic pain in dogs. However, evidence regarding its clinical efficacy compared with other analgesic agents, particularly across species, is inconsistent and uncertain. In the current study, the objective was to evaluate the data that is currently available on the role that tramadol plays in the management of acute postoperative pain in dogs, as well as to directly compare it with other drugs that are routinely used. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies published from January ۲۰۱۰ to September ۲۰۲۵. Studies that compared tramadol with placebo or other analgesic regimens (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs, or ketamine) in dogs undergoing surgery were included. Results: Tramadol, when administered as monotherapy, was shown to be less effective in treating postoperative pain than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen or meloxicam, according to the findings of studies that were qualified for the analysis. For example, in some studies, dogs treated with NSAIDs had significantly lower pain scores and required less rescue medication. Tramadol was also less effective when compared to potent opioids such as morphine or buprenorphine. However, when tramadol was added to an NSAID, improvements in pain control were seen compared with either drug alone. Conclusion: The current study suggests that tramadol has significant limitations as a single agent for the management of postoperative pain. Tramadol should not be considered as the first choice or monotherapy for the management of acute postoperative pain in dogs. It is significantly less effective than NSAIDs. As an adjuvant in multimodal pain regimens, it appears to play a positive role, providing a synergistic effect in dogs experiencing pain.

کلیدواژه ها:

Canine ، Comparative effectiveness ، NSAIDs ، Postoperative pain ، Tramadol