Lumbosacral Epidural Anaesthesia Research Articles

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of lidocaine- tramadol and lidocaine- medetomidine lumbosacral epidural anesthesia: A cross-over comparative study in goats

Small ruminants have a docile temperament and are typically operated under local or regional analgesia. In goats, lumbosacral anesthesia is the most commonly used regional anesthesia. This investigation aimed to evaluate the epidural anesthetic effects of lidocaine-medetomidine (LID-MED) and lidocaine-tramadol (LID-TRM) combinations in relation to cardiopulmonary effects. An experiment using a cross-over design was conducted on eight goats. The first group (LID-MED) was injected with lidocaine hydrochloride and medetomidine hydrochloride. The second group (LID-TRM) was injected with lidocaine hydrochloride and tramadol hydrochloride. The onset of analgesia, recumbency time, and standing time were recorded once, while scores were recorded periodically. Locomotor and anti-nociception scores were evaluated at baseline, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (min) post-anesthesia. Similarly, cardiorespiratory values were also recorded at the same intervals in each group. In the LID-MED receiving group, analgesia and recumbency onset were earlier, with a longer recumbency period. The LID-MED group showed a significant loss of sensation in all examined regions. The locomotor score revealed hind limb paralysis for 90 min in the LID-TRM group, while it continued for 120 min in the LID-MED group. In both LID-TRM and LID-MED groups, there was significant hypothermia; however, bradycardia was noticed in the LID-MED group from 5 min post-injection. Respiratory depression was also detected in the LID-MED group. The study revealed that lumbosacral epidural anesthesia using LID-TRM co-infusion produces reasonable and short duration (60 min) analgesia. In contrast, epidural lumbosacral injection of LID-MED co-infusion produces a longer duration of analgesia and recumbency.

Real-time ultrasound-guided lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia in obese or appropriate body condition score dogs: A randomized clinical trial

Correctly identifying the puncture site and needle position in obese dogs can be challenging to achieve epidural anaesthesia. The current study aimed to evaluate a real-time ultrasound-guided technique, to perform epidural anaesthesia in obese or appropriate body condition score dogs, based on visualization of local anaesthetic flow during its injection, compared to the traditional method of palpation of anatomical landmarks. Seventy-two client-owned dogs were evaluated in a prospective, comparative, randomized clinical trial, allocated into four groups of 18 dogs. For the Palpation-guided 1 (PG1) and 2 (PG2) groups, epidural anaesthesia was based on palpating anatomical landmarks. Dogs with a body condition score (BCS) 1-5/9 were included in the PG1 (non-obese), and those with a BCS 6-9/9 in PG2 (obese) groups. In the Ultrasound-guided 1 (USG1 - BCS 1-5/9) and 2 (USG2 – BCS 6-9/9) groups, epidural anaesthesia was guided by ultrasound (US).The flow of anaesthetic through the epidural canal was observed in all dogs by US. There were fewer needle-to-bone contacts in the US-guided groups when performing epidural anaesthesia; this only occurred on the vertebral laminae, never in the vertebral canal. Ultrasound guidance enabled local anaesthetic injection into the epidural space without the need for palpation of anatomical landmarks to guide needle placement. Blood reflux occurred in 11.1% (PG1), 22.2% (PG2), 5.5% (USG1), and 0% (USG2) of the dogs. Ultrasound-guided punctures led to fewer vascular punctures. Epidural anaesthesia was effective in all animals, and no complications were observed.

Intraoperative effect of low doses of ketamine or dexmedetomidine continuous rate infusions in healthy dogs receiving propofol total intravenous anaesthesia and epidural anaesthesia: A prospective, randomised clinical study

The present study aimed to determine the effect of either ketamine or dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion (CRI) on intraoperative propofol anaesthetic requirements during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) in healthy dogs undergoing hindlimbs orthopaedic procedures receiving epidural anaesthesia. In this randomised, blinded clinical study, thirty-nine healthy client-owned dogs were premedicated intramuscularly (dexmedetomidine 4 μg/kg and methadone 0.3 mg/kg). General anaesthesia was induced to effect with propofol administered as intravenous bolus, and maintained with propofol TIVA (18 mg/kg/h), adjusted to meet the suitable clinical anaesthetic depth (indicatively±20%) based on clinical judgement. Lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia was performed using bupivacaine (1 mg/kg) and morphine preservative free (0.1 mg/kg). Dogs randomly received either saline (SP; loading dose 1 mL/kg, CRI 1 mL/kg/h), or ketamine (KP; loading dose 1.5 mg/kg, CRI 1.5 mg/kg/h), or dexmedetomidine (DP; loading dose 1 μg/kg/, CRI 1 μg/kg/h). Physiological variables were recorded intraoperatively at 5-min intervals using standard-of-care monitoring. Recovery quality and duration were recorded. Treatment groups were compared with parametric and non-parametric tests as appropriate, p < 0.05.Propofol rates and recovery scores were similar between groups. Overall mean and diastolic blood pressures were higher in group DP compared to group KP (12–14 mmHg, p = 0.016 and p = 0.015, respectively). More dogs required mechanical ventilation in group KP (12 dogs) than in either group SP or DP (7 dogs per group, p = 0.037).Ketamine or dexmedetomidine CRIs, at the studied rates, did not reduce propofol TIVA requirements in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery with epidural anaesthesia.

Laparoscopic Retrieval of Abdominal Cysts in Sheep and Goat

Abstract The study was planned to evaluate the use of laparoscopy for the diagnosis and retrieval of abdominal cysts in sheep and goats. The abdominal cysts were located in 10 of 135 adult, healthy small ruminants by using ultrasonography (USG). Percutaneous Puncture-Aspiration-Injection-Reaspiration (PAIR) technique was used for six animals. Thirty animals, including four diagnosed with abdominal cysts by USG, were subsequently subjected to laparoscopy under diazepam sedation (0.1 mg/kg, IV) and lumbosacral epidural regional anesthesia using 2% lignocaine hydrochloride (1.0 ml/5 kg). The animals were restrained in dorsal recumbency and two-port paramedian laparoscopy was performed. Abdominal cysts were located in seven animals (one cyst/animal). The cysts were grasped carefully, lifted close to the abdominal wall, and evacuated percutaneously under laparoscopic vision. The collapsed cysts were then retrieved. In two animals enlarged ports were sutured, treated with an antibiotic and an analgesic, resulting in uneventful healing. Five cysts were nonparasitic, two were parasitic, one extracted from a sheep, and one from a goat. In conclusion, laparoscopy has higher diagnostic accuracy in detecting unattached abdominal cysts in sheep and goats compared to USG. It is also a reliable, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for cyst retrieval. However, a larger-scale study is necessary for ascertaining long-term complications and the recurrence rate.

Retrospective study on the use of lumbosacral epidural analgesia during caesarean section surgery in 182 dogs: Impact on blood pressure, analgesic use and delays.

We evaluated the use of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia (LEA) in dogs undergoing caesarean section over 10 years. Anaesthetic records were reviewed and divided into two treatment groups: LEA and control. Outcome variables identified a priori as potentially affected by LEA were compared between groups. Results are frequency or median (minimum-maximum). Ninety-five dogs received LEA and 87 did not. LEA consisted of 0.2 (0.1-0.3) ml/kg containing bupivacaine (n = 63), ropivacaine (n = 15), or lidocaine (n = 12) at concentrations ranging between 0.06% and 2%. Morphine, fentanyl, or buprenorphine were used as part of LEA. Groups were similar for demographic variables (all p > 0.06). Intravenous opioids were used more often in control than in LEA (p < 0.0005). Incidence of hypotension (MAP < 60 mm Hg) was LEA 68% and control 56% (p = 0.12). Duration of hypotension was longer in LEA (p = 0.03). Use of crystalloids and vasoactive drugs did not differ (all p > 0.1). Time from induction to operating room was 30 (8-75) min for control and 35 (18-65) min for LEA (p = 0.003). LEA during caesarean section in dogs was associated with lower rates of opioid administration and did not exacerbate the incidence of hypotension.

Evaluation of lumbo-sacral epidural anaesthesia or analgesia with lidocaine-acepromazine combination in dogs undergoing cystotomy

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Epidural anaesthesia is one of the most frequently used regional anesthetic techniques recommended for surgical procedures caudal to the umbilicus in dogs. However, the use of lignocaine alone for epidural regional analgesia has been discovered to have shorter duration of analgesia and prolong onset of action, hence there is need to explore combinations of agents that will overcome this challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the anaesthetic/analgesic effect of cranial epidural anaesthesia in dogs undergoing cystotomy using Lignocaine in combination with acepromazine at the dose rates of 7 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Eight apparently healthy matured, male and female dogs were used for the experiment. The onset and duration of analgesia was determined. The pulse rates, respiratory rates, mean arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, complete blood count and the oxygen saturation level were determined at baseline, intra operative and post-operative. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There were no significant differences in all the parameters measured before and after the epidural administration of the agents. The onset of anaesthesia was rapid and the duration of anaesthesia was sufficient enough for the procedure to be carried out. However, there was significant difference in PCV, Hb and total RBC count between the baseline and other timing intervals. There were no significant differences in leucocytic and cardiopulmonary parameters between the baseline and other timing intervals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The epidural administration of lignocaine and acepromazine combination at the doses indicated can produced sufficient epidural anaesthesia with rapid onset for the purpose of cystotomy in dogs without major systemic influence on hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary changes.&lt;/p&gt;

3D anatomical model for teaching canine lumbosacral epidural anesthesia.

Purpose To develop a 3D anatomical model for teaching canine epidural anesthesia (3DMEA) and to assess its efficacy for teaching and learning prior to the use of live animals.Methods The creation of 3DMEA was based on 3D optical scanning and 3D printing of canine bone pieces of the fifth to the seventh lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and pelvis. A total of 20 male dogs were scheduled for castration. 20 veterinary students watched a video showing epidural anesthesia in dogs before the clinical attempt and were assigned to control or 3DMEA groups. Students in the 3DMEA group trained in the model after the video. For the clinical trial, the epidural procedure was performed by students under the veterinary supervision. When observed the absence of response to nociceptive stimuli, the epidural was considered successful. Then, all students answered a questionnaire evaluating the main difficulty founded in the technique and its degree of difficulty.Results The 3DMEA group reported a lower degree of difficulty to perform the epidural anesthesia technique when compared with the control group (p=0.0037). The 3DMEA reproduced the anatomical structures, allowing the perception of the distance of needle in relation to the iliac prominences during epidural anesthesia. Its mobility allowed simulation of the animal in standing position and sternal recumbency.Conclusion The use of 3DMEA demonstrated greater efficacy in the execution of the technique, being effective in the teaching and learning process before the epidural anesthesia in live animals.

Anesthetic Management of a Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) for Pelvic Limb Amputation

Background: The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest south american canid and deemed a near threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Typically found in Brazilian Cerrado, it is often a victim of animal trappings and vehicular accidents, where it may get deeply injured or end up fractured, demanding orthopedic procedures. Even though maned wolves are similar to the domestic dog, little is described regarding general anesthesia and its complications for major procedures in ill patients in the scientific database. This case report describes a successful blood transfusion and anesthetic management of a critically ill C. brachyurus.Case: An adult female maned wolf was rescued after getting steel-jaw trapped. After chemical restraint with intramuscular (IM) ketamine (12 mg/kg), midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) and methadone (0.3 mg/kg), physical examination showed exposed bones to the distal end of the right hind limb, pronounced dehydration and moderate anemia and thrombocytopenia according to blood count. Radiographic images enlightened multiple right tarsus fractures. As the wound was highly infected, which made the osteosynthesis procedure impossible, it was decided to amputate the limb on the following day. Subcutaneous (SC) lactated Ringer’s solution (250 mL), IM meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) and IM enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) were also administered at first. On the following day, after aforementioned chemical immobilization, anesthesia was induced with dose-effect intravenous (IV) propofol (2 mg/kg) until orotracheal intubation was possible, and general anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane diluted in oxygen. Lumbosacral epidural anesthesia was obtained with 0.5% bupivacaine (0.25 mL/kg) and morphine (0.1 mg/kg) to provide analgesia and to reduce inhalant agent requirement. During surgery, hypotension was unresponsive to IV fluid challenges (5 mL/kg of third generation hydroxyethyl starch solution [6% tetrastarch] twice and 10 mL/kg of lactated Ringer’s solution, both over 15 minutes) and enduring blood loss led to life-threatening hypovolemic anemia. Dopamine (7.5-12.5 µg/kg/min) and norepinephrine (0.1-0.6 µg/kg/min) IV infusions were not able to fully restore normotension, thus whole blood transfusion (300 mL) was carried out after blood collection from a healthy maned wolf. Several premature ventricular contractions (PVC) that promptly evolved to sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were observed and treated with 2% lidocaine (bolus of 2 mg/kg followed by continuous rate infusion set at 50 µg/kg/min). By extubation, electrocardiogram displayed sparse PVC and normotension could be achieved. Discussion: Even though there was no cardiovascular instability by the time epidural anesthesia was carried out, it could have contributed to the hypotensive crisis (mean arterial pressure &lt; 40 mmHg) observed during general anesthesia. The decreasing MAP was also probably influenced by intense blood loss and previous dehydration and hypovolemia, as packed cell volume (PCV) dropped to as low as 15% during transanesthetic period. As whole-blood transfusion might be accompanied by adverse effects, it is usually held back as long as oxygen delivery is not compromised. However, the declining MAP, fluid therapy-related hemodilution, and an actual PCV potentially lower owing to dehydration led to blood transfusion. The procedure was not ideally approached as no blood type and cross-match were previously performed, although no other feasible options were available. Besides, tachyarrhythmias are known to increase oxygen consumption, so that VT could have resulted in negative cardiovascular consequences (including cardiac arrest). Since it is a vulnerable animal, this report may aid recognize and treat clinical conditions for the purpose of preservation of the species.

ВПЛИВ ПІСЛЯОПЕРАЦІЙНОЇ АНАЛГЕЗІЇ БУПІВАКАЇНОМ НА ІНТЕНСИВНІСТЬ БОЛЬОВОЇ РЕАКЦІЇ У СОБАК ЗА МАСТЕКТОМІЇ

Influence of analgesia on the animals is relevant in clinical practice, since changes of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems, body temperature, metabolism, may have therapeutic effect. Nowadays in veterinary anaesthesiology pain scales, which are verbal evaluation, simple descriptive and visual analogues are used. The aim of this study is the determine the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia with bupivacaine in dogs in case of mastectomy. Two groups of dogs (experimental and control) with tumors of mammary gland, which was carried out by a mastectomy were made. After surgery in the experimental group, an epidural bupivacaine for analgesia was taken, and the analgesia in the control group was not performed. In both groups pain level response in animals was determined, comparison of the results between the groups was made. The object of the study was 24 dogs (bitches) in which the intensity of pain in the postoperative period in case of mastectomia was determined. Operative technic&nbsp; was performed by xylazine premedication 1,5 ml per 10 kg body weight, lumbosacral epidural puncture, catheterization and anesthesia with 2% lidocaine solution. In animals of the experimental group, postoperative analgesia was performed with 0,2 %&nbsp; bupivacaine solution&nbsp; 4 times a day for 3 days; In the control group, there was no post-operative analgesia. In animals of both groups, the intensity of pain before surgery and during the first three days after every 6 hours was studied ‒ by the Visual analog scale (VAS) in mm (from 0 to 100 mm) and the Melbourne University (MPS) scale in points (from 0 to 27 points). The tumors of the mammary gland in the dogs were larger than 3 cm, and had one-sided localization with the involvement of regional lymph nodes. Radical surgical removal of tumors using the regional mastectomy in the area of ​​3‒4‒5 mammary gland was performed. When tumors were removed, a broad local excision was used which involved removing it together with the skin and capturing 2‒3 cm of healthy tissue from all sides around. During the research it was found that postoperative bupivacaine analgesia in animals in the experimental group significantly reduces the pain response, which was manifested by a decrease in the intensity of pain on the parameters of VAS and the MPS scale, in contrast to similar indices in the control group, where in the first 48 hours after the operative intervention probable increase in the intensity of pain were observed.

An Update on Drugs Used for Lumbosacral Epidural Anesthesia and Analgesia in Dogs.

This review aims to report an update on drugs administered into the epidural space for anesthesia and analgesia in dogs, describing their potential advantages and disadvantages in the clinical setting. Databases searched include Pubmed, Google scholar, and CAB abstracts. Benefits of administering local anesthetics, opioids, and alpha2 agonists into the epidural space include the use of lower doses of general anesthetics (anesthetic “sparing” effect), perioperative analgesia, and reduced side effects associated with systemic administration of drugs. However, the potential for cardiorespiratory compromise, neurotoxicity, and other adverse effects should be considered when using the epidural route of administration. When these variables are considered, the epidural technique is useful as a complementary method of anesthesia for preventive and postoperative analgesia and/or as part of a balanced anesthesia technique.

Haemato-biochemical effects of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine in goats

Haemato-biochemical effects of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine in goats

Surgical management of acquired prepubic hernia in ovines of Kashmir

The present paper describes the surgical management of acquired prepubic hernia due to prepubic tendon rupture in 6 ovines of both sexes (4 pregnant ewes and 2 rams) aged 2.5±0.89 years and weighing 29.5 ± 1.8 kg. The sheep were presented with the complaint of caudal abdominal swelling and reluctance in lying down. The physiological parameters were within normal range. The sheep were operated under diazepam sedation and lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia using 2% lignocaine hydrochloride. Surgical repair was undertaken through a ventral midline incision and simultaneously caesarean section was performed in pregnant cases. All the animals recovered uneventfully.

Pulse Oximetry During Laparoscopy-Assisted Embryo Transfer Under Lumbosacral Epidural Anaesthesia in Goats

Eighteen adult, clinically healthy, Pashmina and Bakerwal goats undergoing laparoscopy-assisted embryo transfer were randomly divided into three equal groups (I, II, III) and injected lignocaine hydrochloride (@ 4.0mg/kg) or ropivacaine hydrochloride (@1.0mg/kg or 0.5mg/kg) at the lumbosacral epidural space, respectively. Pulse oximeter designed for application on human finger was used to record haemoglobin saturation (SpO2) values. The SpO2 values in 2 2 goats of Gr-I, II and III varied from 77.00±4.80 to 87.00±2.00%, 83.66±5.88 to 90.00±0.92% and 89.40±2.88 to 93.00±0.51%, respectively. Goats of Gr-I showed significantly (P<0.05) lower values than Gr-II and III continuously during initial 45 min following induction. The SpO2 values varied from 81.58±2.47 to 89.08±1.18% in 2 Bakerwal and 85.16±3.54 to 90.50±1.70% in Pashmina goats. It was concluded that the pulse oximetry is a useful, inexpensive and easy technique to quickly detect changes in oxygen saturation

Normal laparoscopic anatomy of the caprine pelvic cavity

Due to the several advantages over conventional procedures, the laparoscopic disease diagnosis and surgery has now started receiving attention in small ruminants. The normal laparoscopic anatomy needs to be described for comparison with the findings in animals with various diseases. The objective of the present study was therefore to describe the laparoscopic anatomy of the caprine pelvic cavity. Adult Bakerwal and Pashmina goats (n=25) of both the sexes were included in this laparoscopy study. All the animals were restrained in dorsal recumbency and Trendelenburg position under lumbosacral epidural anesthesia and sedation. After creating the pneumoperitoneum, the primary port for 5 mm laparoscope was placed at linea alba (3.0 cm cranial to mammary glands in does), and at right paramedian (3.0 cm cranial to the rudimentary teat in the bucks) site. Secondary port was placed under direct laparoscopic observation 5-6 cm away from the primary port in horizontal plane, to allow insertion of the grasping forceps. Scan was performed first at the primary port and subsequently through the secondary port for orientation and exploration of the pelvic cavity. The ventral laparoscopic approach provided satisfactory exposure of the pelvic cavity in goats. Comprehensive description of the pelvic organs could be obtained. However, dorsal aspect of the urinary bladder neck and accessory genital organs of male animals could not be visualized. Major complications were not encountered during or after laparoscopy. Laparoscopy a minimally invasive procedure has several advantages over alternate methods of understanding anatomy, physiology and pathology of most of the intraperitoneal pelvic structures in goats. The technique has high pedagogic value. The procedure is safe in experienced hands.

Comparison of epidural versus intrathecal anaesthesia in dogs undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery

ObjectiveTo compare the procedural failure rate (PFR), intraoperative rescue analgesia (iRA) probability and postoperative duration of motor block after epidural and intrathecal anaesthesia in dogs undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery. Study designProspective, randomized clinical trial. AnimalsNinety-two client-owned dogs. MethodsDogs were assigned randomly to receive either lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia (EA) (bupivacaine 0.5% and morphine 1%) or intrathecal anaesthesia with the same drugs in a hyperbaric solution (HIA). Inaccurate positioning of the needle, assessed by radiographic imaging, and lack of cerebral spinal fluid outflow were considered procedural failures (PFs) of EA and HIA, respectively. Fentanyl (1 μg kg−1 IV) was provided for intraoperative rescue analgesia, when either the heart rate or the mean arterial pressure increased by 30% above the pre-stimulation value. Its use was recorded as a sign of intraoperative analgesic failure. The motor block resolution was evaluated postoperatively. Variables were compared using Fisher's exact test, the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kaplan–Meier ‘survival’ analysis as relevant. ResultsThe PFRs in the EA and HIA groups were 15/47 (32%) and 3/45 (7%), respectively (p = 0.003). Differences in iRA were analysed in 26 and 30 subjects in the EA and HIA groups respectively, using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. The iRA probability within the first 80 minutes of needle injection (NI) was higher in the EA group (p = 0.045). The incidence of dogs walking within 3 hours of NI was significantly higher in the HIA group (8/20, 40%) than in the EA group (0/17) (p = 0.004). Conclusions and clinical relevanceHIA was found to have lower PF, lower intraoperative analgesic failure and faster motor block resolution. In this study HIA was shown to provide some advantages over EA in dogs undergoing commonly performed pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery in a day-hospital regime.

Lumbo-sacral epidural anaesthesia as a complement to dissociative anaesthesia during scrotal herniorrhaphy of livestock pigs in the field.

BackgroundIn Sweden, scrotal or inguinal herniorrhaphy of livestock pigs in the field has traditionally been an important part of the surgical skills training of veterinary students. Few substances meet the legal requirements for field anaesthesia of production animals in the European Union but a protocol based on azaperone-detomidine-butorphanol-ketamine does. Unfortunately the anaesthesia is characterised by unpredictable duration and depth and of abrupt awakenings which is not acceptable from an animal welfare perspective and impedes surgical training. Lumbo-sacral epidural analgesia is proven to provide sufficient analgesia to allow abdominal surgery, but there are few reports on the field use of this loco-regional technique. The study aim was to evaluate whether lumbo-sacral anaesthesia can be safely and successfully used in the field by a veterinary student and whether the combination of dissociative and lumbo-sacral epidural anaesthesia improves analgesia and anaesthesia to guarantee animal welfare during herniorrhaphy in livestock pigs, enabling surgical skills training.ResultsPigs in the control-group (placebo) responded significantly stronger to surgery, with five out of 11 requiring additional doses of detomidine and ketamine. There were no significant differences between groups in respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 or blood gases. SpO2 levels <94 % were recorded in several pigs in both groups. No post-injection complications were reported at follow-up.ConclusionsThe results from this study showed that lumbo-sacral epidural anaesthesia with lidocaine could successfully be administered during dissociative anaesthesia of livestock pigs by a veterinary student and without reported post-injection complications. It improved analgesia and anaesthesia during herniorrhaphy of sufficient duration to enable surgical skills training. The risks and consequences of hypoxaemia and hypoventilation should be considered.

Comparison Between Lignocaine Hydrochloride and Ropivacaine Hydrochloride as Lumbosacral Epidural Anaesthetic Agents in Goats Undergoing Laparoscopy Assisted Embryo Transfer

Abstract Goats (n=12) undergoing laparoscopy assisted embryo transfer were randomly allotted to two groups (I and II) and injected lignocaine hydrochloride (4mg/kg) or ropivacaine hydrochloride (1mg/kg) at the lumbosacral epidural space. The animals were held with raised hind quarters for the first three minutes following injection. Immediately after induction of regional anaesthesia, they were restrained in dorsal recumbency in the Trendelenburg position in a cradle. Laparoscopy was performed after creating pneumoperitoneum using filtered room air. The mean (± S.E) induction time in animals of group I was significantly shorter (5.33 ± 0.61 min) than those belonging to group II (12.66 ±1.99 min). Complete analgesia developed throughout the hind quarters and abdomen for 30 min and 60 min in group I and II animal’s respectively. Unlike animals of group I, group II goats continued to show moderate analgesia for 180 minutes. The motor activity returned after a lapse of 130.00 ± 12.64 min and 405.00 ± 46.31 min respectively. Occasional vocalization and struggling was noticed in two goats one from each group irrespective of the surgical manipulations during laparoscopy. The rectal temperature and respiration rates showed only non-significant increase, but the heart rate values were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.5) up to 150 min in animals of both the groups when compared to their baseline values. From this study, it was concluded that both anaesthetic agents produced satisfactory regional anaesthesia in goats undergoing laparoscopy. However, considering the very long delay in regaining the hind limb motor activity, the use of ropivacaine may not be recommended for this purpose. Supplementation of sedative/tranquilizer with lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia needs evaluation.

Comparison of Two Doses of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride for Lumbosacral Epidural Anaesthesia in Goats Undergoing Laparoscopy Assisted Embryo Transfer

Goats (n = 12) undergoing laparoscopy assisted embryo transfer were randomly allotted to two groups (I and II) and injected same volume of ropivacaine hydrochloride at 1.0 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, at the lumbosacral epidural space. The hind quarters of all the animals were lifted up for the first 3.0 minutes following injection. Immediately after induction the animals were restrained in dorsal recumbency in Trendelenburg position in a cradle. Laparoscopy was performed after achieving pneumoperitoneum using filtered room air. Regional analgesia and changes in physiological parameters were recorded. The mean induction time in animals of group I (n = 6) was 12.666 ± 1.994 minutes. In these animals the analgesia extended up to the umbilical region and lasted for 60 minutes. Only two animals in group II were satisfactorily induced in 11.333 ± 2.333 minutes. In animals of group I, the time taken for regaining the full motor power was significantly long (405 ± 46.314 min) when compared to group II goats (95 ± 9.219 min). From this study it was concluded that ropivacaine did not produce adequate analgesia in most of the goats at 0.5 mg/kg. When used at 1.0 mg/kg, it produced satisfactory regional analgesia lasting for one hour but the prolonged motor loss precludes its use. Additional studies using ropivacaine hydrochloride at doses in between the two extremes used here may be undertaken before recommending it for lumbosacral anaesthesia in goats undergoing laparoscopy.

The effect of epidural injection speed on epidural pressure and distribution of solution in anesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of injection speed on epidural pressure (EP), injection pressure (IP), epidural distribution (ED) of solution, and extent of sensory blockade (SB) during lumbosacral epidural anesthesia in dogs. Study designProspective experimental trial. AnimalsTen healthy adult Beagle dogs weighing 8.7 ± 1.6 kg. MethodsGeneral anesthesia was induced with propofol administered intravenously and maintained with isoflurane. Keeping the dogs in sternal recumbency, two spinal needles connected to electrical pressure transducers were inserted into the L6-L7 and the L7-S1 intervertebral epidural spaces for EP and IP measurements, respectively. Bupivacaine 0.5% diluted in iohexol was administered epidurally to each dog via spinal needle at L7-S1 intervertebral space, at two rates of injection (1 and 2 mL minute−1 groups), with a 1-week washout period. Epidural distribution was verified with computed tomography, and SB was evaluated after arousal by pinching the skin with a mosquito hemostatic forceps over the vertebral dermatomes. The results were analyzed according to each injection speed, using paired t- and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. ResultsMean ± SD of baseline EP and IP values were 2.1 ± 6.1 and 2.6 ± 7.1 mmHg, respectively. Significant differences were observed between 1 and 2 mL minute−1 groups for peak EP (23.1 ± 8.5 and 35.0 ± 14.5 mmHg, p = 0.047) and peak IP (68.5 ± 10.7 and 144.7 ± 32.6 mmHg, p <0.001). However, the median (range) of the ED, 11.5 (4–22) and 12 (5–21) vertebrae, and SB, 3.5 (0–20) and 1 (0–20) dermatomes, values of the two groups were not related to injection speed. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe EP profile during injection was measured by separating the injection and pressure monitoring lines. The increase in epidural injection speed increased the EP, but not the ED or the SB in dogs.

Comparative Evaluation of Midventral and Flank Laparotomy Approaches in Goat.

The aim of the study was to compare two laparotomy approaches (flank and midventral). Ten (n = 10) apparently healthy goats of different breeds and sex, average age of 12 ± 2.1 months, and average weight of 13.4 ± 2 kg were used for the investigation. The goats were randomly divided into flank and midventral groups, each group comprising five goats (n = 5). Standard aseptic laparotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with mild sedation. Postsurgical wound score showed significant difference (P < 0.05) in erythema at 18–24 hours and 10–14 days after surgery between the two approaches; significant difference of dehiscence between the two groups was also recorded at 10–14 days after surgery. Total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes counts were significantly different (P < 0.05) at the first and second week after surgery. There was significant difference of platelets critical value and platelets dimension width at the first and second week after surgery. Significant difference of packed cells volume between the two approaches was also recorded one week after surgery. It was concluded that midventral laparotomy approach can be conveniently and safely performed under aseptic precautions without fear of intra- and postoperative clinical problems.