Objective: To investigate Argentine veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes, and management of acute pain in cats. Methods: A voluntary, anonymous, prospective, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Argentine veterinarians between January and September 2024. The questionnaire explored demographics, clinical practice, and acute pain management in cats. The survey comprised multiple-choice and open-ended questions, using 5-point Likert scales tailored to each variable. Results: A total of 161 responses were obtained, of which 154 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Ninety-five percent considered acute pain assessment in cats important, although 66% reported dissatisfaction with undergraduate training in pain management. Pain recognition skills were generally perceived as adequate, yet 45% reported challenges in treatment. Eighty-two percent routinely evaluated pain in cats; however, only 56% used standardized tools, primarily the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS). Pain assessment was performed predominantly by female veterinarians, who also showed greater familiarity with standardized scales. Overall, participants expressed a strong preference for continuing online education. Conclusions and Relevance: Argentine veterinarians attach high importance to acute pain assessment in cats and report having adequate knowledge despite dissatisfaction with undergraduate training. The FGS was the most frequently used tool; female veterinarians assessed pain more often and showed greater familiarity with standardized scales. In this study, online courses were identified as the preferred method of continuing education.
Alegre et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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