Abbott Animal Health announced in July that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Simbadol (buprenorphine), an injectable pain control medication for use in controlling post-operative pain in cats. This provides veterinarians with the first FDA-approved, single-dose opioid analgesic for the control of pain in cats recovering from surgery.

The concept of a single dose drug for pain control in postoperative cats is an attractive one, as this minimizes the discomfort and inconvenience associated with management of these patients, who may be stressed and may recover more quickly and favorably when minimally manipulated.

A number of studies suggest that buprenorphine provides good pain relief and that it is safe to use in cats recovering from surgery. The Simbadol approval is great news for those concerned about the care and well being of cats undergoing surgical procedures.