Evaluation of the effectiveness and adverse events of oxycodone as a pain-relieving agent in 103 dogs with tumors: a retrospective study.

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Title: Evaluation of the effectiveness and adverse events of oxycodone as a pain-relieving agent in 103 dogs with tumors: a retrospective study.
Authors: Ko, Byung-Gee1 (AUTHOR), Kim, Tae-Hyun1 (AUTHOR), Namkung, Hyun1 (AUTHOR), Lee, Hye-Gyu1 (AUTHOR), Kang, Young-Jun1 (AUTHOR), Youn, Ga-Hee1 (AUTHOR), Seo, Kyoung-Won1 (AUTHOR), Youn, Hwa-Young1 (AUTHOR), Ryu, Min-Ok1 (AUTHOR) apple963@snu.ac.kr
Source: BMC Veterinary Research. 10/2/2025, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p1-11. 11p.
Document Type: Article
Subjects: Oxycodone, Analgesic effectiveness, Tumors, Analgesia, Dogs, Veterinary medicine, Drug side effects, Retrospective studies
Author-Supplied Keywords: Analgesic
Cancer
Canine
Combination
Metastasis
Pain
Abstract: Background: Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, has been widely used in human medicine for the management of tumor-related pain due to its potent analgesic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxycodone in managing tumor-related pain in dogs, addressing the current lack of research on effective analgesic options for canine cancer dogs. Medical records of 103 tumor-bearing dogs treated with oxycodone were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Oxycodone demonstrated an analgesic effect ranging from 23.1 to 63.6%, depending on the anatomical origin of the tumor. Improvement was observed in 67.7% of dogs with metastatic lesions. In the monotherapy group, the mean pain relief score increased from 8.73 ± 1.27 before treatment to 9.65 ± 1.53 after administration (p < 0.0001). In the combination therapy group, score rose from 8.75 ± 1.20 to 9.83 ± 1.87 (p = 0.0002). Across the entire canine patient cohort, the mean pain relief score increased from 8.74 ± 1.23 to 9.74 ± 1.70 following treatment (p < 0.0001). Adverse effects included lethargy (n = 6), diarrhea (n = 2), vomiting (n = 1), tachypnea (n = 1), and stargazing (n = 1). All were self-limiting and resolved after discontinuation of the drug. Conclusions and clinical importance: Oxycodone demonstrated an overall favorable analgesic profile and could be a well-tolerated and promising pain management solution, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy, for tumor-related pain in dogs, including those with advanced-stage tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Author Affiliations: 1https://ror.org/04h9pn542 Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Full Text Word Count: 7779
ISSN: 1746-6148
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-025-04987-3
Accession Number: 188451284
Database: Veterinary Source
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Abstract:Background: Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, has been widely used in human medicine for the management of tumor-related pain due to its potent analgesic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxycodone in managing tumor-related pain in dogs, addressing the current lack of research on effective analgesic options for canine cancer dogs. Medical records of 103 tumor-bearing dogs treated with oxycodone were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Oxycodone demonstrated an analgesic effect ranging from 23.1 to 63.6%, depending on the anatomical origin of the tumor. Improvement was observed in 67.7% of dogs with metastatic lesions. In the monotherapy group, the mean pain relief score increased from 8.73 ± 1.27 before treatment to 9.65 ± 1.53 after administration (p < 0.0001). In the combination therapy group, score rose from 8.75 ± 1.20 to 9.83 ± 1.87 (p = 0.0002). Across the entire canine patient cohort, the mean pain relief score increased from 8.74 ± 1.23 to 9.74 ± 1.70 following treatment (p < 0.0001). Adverse effects included lethargy (n = 6), diarrhea (n = 2), vomiting (n = 1), tachypnea (n = 1), and stargazing (n = 1). All were self-limiting and resolved after discontinuation of the drug. Conclusions and clinical importance: Oxycodone demonstrated an overall favorable analgesic profile and could be a well-tolerated and promising pain management solution, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy, for tumor-related pain in dogs, including those with advanced-stage tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:17466148
DOI:10.1186/s12917-025-04987-3