Cerenia Prevents Perioperative Nausea And Vomiting And Improves Recovery In Dogs Undergoing Routine Surgery

Cerenia is a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist used to treat nausea and vomiting in dogs. The present study investigated the effects of Cerenia (maropitant) injectable solution (1.0 mg/kg) on post-operative nausea and vomiting in dogs pre-medicated with morphine or buprenorphine and undergoing an ovariohysterectomy or a routine castration. Improvement in the quality and speed of recovery were also assessed. Forty eight dogs were randomized to treatment with Cerenia or placebo that were administered 45 minutes prior to the opioid premedication. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia using isoflurane. Study participants collecting clinical assessment data were masked to treatment allocation. Cerenia significantly reduced both nausea and vomiting in dogs pre-medicated with morphine. In dogs receiving morphine, Cerenia was associated with a significantly faster return to feeding compared to placebo-treated dogs. Cerenia improved the quality of recovery (as measured by decreased aimless movements, vocalization, and panting) compared to placebo-treated dogs. However, treatment with Cerenia did not significantly change the speed with which dogs recovered from surgery or their general attitude during the recovery period, or their level of sedation during recovery compared to dogs receiving placebo treatment. Buprenorphine pre-medicated dogs failed to display signs of nausea or vomiting. In these animals Cerenia and placebo animals had similar surgical recoveries. This study demonstrates the value of pre-operative Cerenia when used in conjunction with morphine, but not buprenorphine, as a premedication to reduce nausea and vomiting, to hasten return to normal food consumption post-operatively, and to improve the quality of recovery from surgery.