An opioid masterclass

Presented by Emily Foot
As the most commonly used analgesic and broad spectrum of drug choice, this lecture lays out and compares the different opioids available to us in veterinary medicine and what to use when. Inspired by real questions from RVN’s, I will begin by talking about the pain pathway and the level at which opioids are most effective, to then compare their strength, efficacy and the basic pharmacology of drugs such as Methadone, Buprenorphine, Butorphanol, Fentanyl, etc. I will use case studies to indicate route of administration, use of CRI’s during surgery and post operative analgesia.
Presented at BVA Live 2026 in BVNA Nursing theatre on 12 June 2026, from 14:20 to 15:10.