Which statement about analgesia is true for mice?

• A. Carprofen provides longer-acting pain relief
• B. Buprenorphine provides longer-acting pain relief
• C. No analgesia is required for mice
• D. Only topical analgesics provide relief

Answer: (A)

In mice, choosing analgesia hinges on how long the pain relief lasts and how it fits the procedure. Carprofen, an NSAID, often provides longer-acting pain relief than buprenorphine, an opioid. That means it can cover the critical recovery period with less frequent dosing, which is why this statement is true. Buprenorphine is effective but typically has a shorter duration in mice, so it may need additional dosing or combination with other measures for extended pain control. It’s important to remember that analgesia is required for mice after procedures to prevent suffering and to ensure proper recovery and reliable science. Analgesia isn’t limited to topical products; systemic options like carprofen and buprenorphine are commonly used. So, the statement about carprofen providing longer-acting pain relief accurately reflects typical postoperative pain management in mice.