Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparing pain relief methods for dogs in pelvic limb surgery
By Vettorato, E et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Dick White Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective comparison of two peripheral lumbosacral plexus blocks in dogs undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs undergoing surgery on their back legs received two different types of nerve blocks to manage pain during the procedure. One method, called the lateral pre-iliac approach, was found to be slightly more effective, with 82% of dogs needing less pain medication during surgery compared to 75% for the other method. Both techniques used similar amounts of local anesthetics and did not lead to any serious complications. Overall, while both methods were effective, the lateral pre-iliac approach may provide better pain control during surgery.
People also search for: dog leg surgery pain management · nerve block for dogs · pelvic limb surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare the lateral pre-iliac approach to the lumbar plexus combined with lumbar paravertebral sciatic nerve block, and the dorsal paravertebral approach to the lumbar plexus combined with sciatic nerve block in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective examination of case records of dogs that received the blocks and underwent pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery between 2010 and 2012. Success rate (intraoperative fentanyl consumption <2·1 µg/kg/hour), type and dose of local anaesthetic used, multiple of minimum alveolar concentration of volatile anaesthetic agent administered, incidence of intraoperative hypotension, postoperative methadone administration, postoperative contralateral limb paralysis and neurological complication at 6 weeks re-examination were analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-six and 95 records were retrieved in which lateral pre-iliac - lumbar paravertebral sciatic nerve and dorsal paravertebral - sciatic nerve were used, respectively. Success rates were 82·3% in lateral pre-iliac - lumbar paravertebral sciatic nerve and 74·7% in dorsal paravertebral - sciatic nerve groups. Bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and ropivacaine were used. Total local anaesthetic doses, intraoperative hypotension and postoperative methadone administered were similar between groups; minimum alveolar concentration multiple was significantly (P<0·001) lower in lateral pre-iliac - lumbar paravertebral sciatic nerve group. No neurological complications were noted. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although success rates and perioperative analgesic requirements were not significantly different, the different exposure to anaesthetic agents suggests that the two techniques may not be equivalent.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24151941/