Continuous mandibular nerve block as sole analgesia for postoperative pain management after a hemimandibulectomy in a French Bulldog

Abstract

AbstractA 12‐year‐old French Bulldog presented for a mandibulectomy due to a large ameloblastoma in the left rostral mandibular body. Preoperative pain management consisted of methadone 0.2 mg/kg and a mandibular nerve block with ropivacaine 0.5%. Intraoperatively, an indwelling perineural catheter was placed through the mandibular canal, with the tip placed in the mandibular foramen for postoperative ropivacaine administration. Ropivacaine 0.2% was administered every 6 hours for the first 36 hours without need of any systemic analgesic administration, providing adequate analgesia and allowing for a rapid recovery. The dog was completely alert and responsive in the immediate postoperative period and started eating 12 hours after surgery without any sign of pain or discomfort. No complications were observed during the postoperative period. The perineural catheter was removed after 40 hours and the dog was administered metamizole every 8 hours for analgesia and was discharged 48 hours after surgery.