Abstract Opioid‐induced hyperalgesia is a recognised phenomenon in people, but few cases are described in veterinary patients. This case reports a dog with suspected opioid‐induced hyperalgesia after a stick injury to the mouth and neck, and subsequent surgical exploration of the ventral neck and abscess debridement. Administration of opioids post‐operatively was associated with significant sedation and behaviour compatible with hyperalgesia and allodynia, whereas removal of opioids from the analgesic protocol resulted in a significant reduction in pain scores and sedation level. The dog recovered well and subsequently was discharged from the hospital. This case highlights the need for adequate pain assessment in veterinary patients wherever possible, awareness of the variety of potential opioid‐related adverse effects and alternative analgesic treatment options.
Stallard et al. (Fri,) studied this question.