Retrospective case-control non-inferiority analysis of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in dogs undergoing mini-hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease

Authors

Keywords:

dogs, analgesia, locoregional anaesthesia, neuroanaesthesia, erector spinae plane block, ESP, mini-hemilaminectomy

Abstract

Background: Veterinary medicine has seen significant advancements in locoregional anaesthesia and pain management, including the emergence of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block. However, limited clinical evidence exists on its efficacy and safety.

Objectives: This study compares ultrasound-guided ESP block (ESP group) with an intraoperative intravenous ketamine infusion analgesic protocol (CRI group) in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy, focusing on intraoperative opioid consumption, cardiovascular response to surgical stimulation (CR), postoperative pain scores (PS), and postoperative opioid consumption.

Methods: Retrospective, case-control, non-inferiority study conducted in a single centre. Data collected included demographics, bupivacaine dose, ESP block operator, intraoperative recorded variables (haemodynamic variables, CR, complications, rescue analgesia), pre- and postoperative analgesia, 24-hour PS and opioid administration, first food intake post-extubation and postoperative complications. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were applied.

Results: One-hundred dogs were included, 75 in the ESP group and 25 in the CRI group. Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences between treatment groups in terms of CR, PS, postoperative rescue analgesia, intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, or time to first meal intake. However, the multivariate regression analysis indicated that dogs receiving ketamine infusion had higher CR suspected to be nociception-related (p = 0.036), and higher postoperative opioid consumption (p = 0.013).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that ultrasound-guided ESP block is as effective as intraoperative ketamine infusion providing perioperative analgesia in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease. ESP group showed significantly lower CR suspected to be nociception-related intraoperatively and lower postoperative opioid consumption within the initial 24 hours.

Author Biographies

  • DN Alza Salvatierra, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited

    Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, United Kingdom

  • L Motta, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited

    Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, United Kingdom

  • JI Redondo, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU

    Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Spain

  • M du Toit, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited

    Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, United Kingdom

  • E Pompermaier, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited

    Wear Referrals, Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, United Kingdom

  • M Martinez, CVS Group Public Limited Company

    ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists, CVS Group Public Limited Company, United Kingdom

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Published

2024-06-27

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Section

Original Research