26% of vets in Japan believe not, according to a recent survey conducted by Professor Yoshihasa Yamane of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.

Although all vets agreed that animals feel pain, and used anaesthetic during surgery, a quarter of those who responded said they did not use painkillers to control pain before, during or after operations, citing their concern that they may affect recovery.

Yamane is quoted by sources as saying. "Veterinarians and pet owners need to understand more about the pain animals suffer".

In March 2005 the group plans to create a "pain index" that indicates the level of an animals pain based on its appetite and other biological signs. (6,600 vets were polled across Japan, 470 vets responded).

Fubar says: Whose responsibility is it to make sure an animal is given drugs for pain control? We think that if you are a pet owner it`s ultimately YOUR responsibility to make sure your pet is not in pain. If your current vet won`t use painkillers, and you believe it is necessary, consider changing to a vet who will.®