PICO question
 Is there an effect on analgesia following coeliotomy in dogs after a block with local anaesthetics?
 
 Clinical bottom line
 Category of research question
 Treatment
 The number and type of study designs reviewed
 All the available evidence for this PICO question comes from clinical trials and one experimental/pharmacology study. All the studies were randomised; 5/7 were blinded clinical studies and 4/7 studies were prospective
 Strength of evidence
 Moderate
 Outcomes reported
 It is not clear if the use of a local anaesthetic including bupivacaine or lidocaine as incisional blocks minimises the postoperative pain especially in the first 24 hours, as the results are not statistically significant between the groups
 Conclusion
 In conclusion, bupivacaine or lidocaine can minimise the postoperative pain but more clinical trials are needed
 
 How to apply this evidence in practice
 The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
 Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.