Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
-
To systematically review published studies evaluating pain associated with onychectomy in cats, and to assess the efficacy of the analgesic therapies applied. ⋯ Twenty manuscripts published in refereed journals were reviewed. These included papers reporting 18 clinical trials and two studies conducted in conditioned research cats. Twelve analgesics were evaluated, including seven opioids, four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and one local anesthetic. Nine studies involved a direct comparison of analgesic agents. Limb use was abnormal when measured at 2 and 12 days following onychectomy, and neither fentanyl patch nor butorphanol administration resulted in normal use of the surgical limb. In another study, cats evaluated at 6 months after this surgery were not lame. Differing surgical techniques were compared in six studies; the results indicated that pain scores were lower after laser surgery than after scalpel surgery. The difficulties associated with assessing pain in cats and the lack of sensitivity of the evaluation systems utilized were highlighted in many of the studies. Huge variations in dose and dosing strategies had significant impacts on drug efficacy. Statistically significant differences among treatments were found in most studies; however, no clearly superior analgesic treatment was identified. A combination of meloxicam or robenacoxib with an opioid may provide more effective analgesia and should be evaluated.
-
Clinical Trial
The minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis).
To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis). ⋯ The sevoflurane MAC was significantly higher in ring-tailed lemurs, compared to aye-ayes. The MAC of sevoflurane in aye-ayes is consistent with reported MAC values in other species. Extrapolation of sevoflurane anesthetic dose between different species of lemurs could lead to significant errors in anesthetic dosing.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of lidocaine, lidocaine-morphine, lidocaine-tramadol or bupivacaine for neural blockade of the brachial plexus in fat-tailed lambs.
To evaluate the onset time and duration of action of lidocaine, lidocaine-morphine, lidocaine-tramadol or bupivacaine for a neural blockade of the brachial plexus in fat-tailed lambs. ⋯ The addition of morphine or tramadol to lidocaine did not affect the duration of antinociception of lidocaine for brachial plexus block in fat-tailed lambs. Administration of bupivacaine provided a prolonged duration of action without obvious adverse effects.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Stress-related biomarkers in dogs administered regional anaesthesia or fentanyl for analgesia during stifle surgery.
To compare the effects of regional anaesthesia and opioid administration on adrenocortical and glycaemic responses, postoperative pain and recovery quality in dogs undergoing stifle surgery. ⋯ Analgesia with a peripheral nerve block or spinal anaesthesia prevented the glycaemic and cortisol responses to surgery, promoted better recovery quality, and decreased postoperative pain scores compared with FEN. In the present study, the regional anaesthesia techniques used were found to be excellent alternatives to fentanyl administration.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical evaluation of the v-gel supraglottic airway device in comparison with a classical laryngeal mask and endotracheal intubation in cats during spontaneous and controlled mechanical ventilation.
To compare airway management during induction of anaesthesia, in spontaneous ventilation and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), using a cat-specific supraglottic airway device (the v-gel), a classical laryngeal mask (LM) or an endotracheal tube (ETT). ⋯ The v-gel is a practical alternative to the LM and ETT for securing the airway after induction of anaesthesia and for CMV up to 16 cm H2O in healthy cats. The v-gel can be inserted at a more superficial level of anaesthesia than the ETT and showed significantly less leakage during CMV than the ETT.