Open AccessShort‐term efficacy of epidural pain management in dogs undergoing cystoscopy
Author(s) -
Rayhel Laura H.,
Harjes Laura M.,
Aarnes Turi K.,
Cook Laurie B.,
Chew Dennis J.,
Quimby Jessica M.,
Fields Kayla,
Parker Valerie J.,
Langston Catherine,
Lerche Philip,
Byron Julie K.,
Rudinsky Adam J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.16055
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , sedation , cystoscopy , morphine , adverse effect , ropivacaine , vital signs , surgery , urinary system
Background The effects of epidural anesthesia in dogs undergoing cystoscopy are unknown. Objective To investigate the effect of epidural analgesia on postcystoscopy pain in dogs. Animals Twenty‐six dogs undergoing routine cystoscopy for lower urinary tract disease. Methods Prospective, randomized, blinded observational study. Dogs were assigned either to a treatment group that received epidural anesthesia (preservative free morphine sulfate, 0.09 mg/kg; 1% ropivacaine, 0.2 mg/kg; total volume delivered, 1 mL/4.5 kg of body weight to a maximum of 10 mL; n = 9) or to a nonepidural control group (n = 13). Vital signs were monitored for 24 hours, and sedation and pain scores, behavioral assessments, and presence or absence of complications was evaluated for 5 days postprocedure. Results All dogs tolerated the epidural without complications. Four dogs were removed from the study because of status unblinding, lack of patient cooperation, or incomplete follow‐up. No significant differences were noted in postprocedural pain scores in dogs that received epidural analgesia. Significant differences in postprocedural pain scores were noted in the nonepidural control group. No significant differences were noted in vital signs, behavioral assessments, or the proportion of dogs with a 50% increase in pain scores between the epidural and nonepidural groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Epidural anesthesia was well‐tolerated. Dogs not receiving the epidural had poor postprocedural pain control. A consistent benefit for the epidural vs nonepidural group could not be identified. Additional studies are required to better assess the impact and efficacy of epidural anesthesia for cystoscopic procedures.