Effects of perioperative saphenous and sciatic nerve blocks, lumbosacral epidural or morphine–lidocaine–ketamine infusion on postoperative pain and sedation in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in veterinary medicine through a one-health approach: the role of anesthesia and locoregional techniques

“…4 Locoregional anesthesia in conjunction with a light plane of hypnosis is becoming the preferred method of providing general anesthesia in small animals, allowing for a significant decrease in opioid requirements or even opioid-free anesthesia. 5,6 Undesirable opioid associated side effects in our small animal species may include sedation, 7 ventilatory depression, 8,9 emergence dysphoria, 10 nausea and/or inappetence. 11 The recovery process should include opioid-sparing drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen (paracetamol), and gabapentinoids (eg, gabapentin and pregabalin), unless there are known contraindications to their administration.…”

“…Saphenous nerve block-Its use has been described in surgical procedures such TPLO, tibial tuberosity advancement, extracapsular lateral suture stabilization, and meniscectomies, among other orthopedic procedures involving the canine stifle (all in combination with a sciatic nerve block). 6,7 The main benefit of this block is that it does not cause motor paralysis of the quadriceps group; therefore, it is preferred to epidural anesthesia and even a femoral nerve block since it allows for the patient to remain ambulatory. When combined with a sciatic nerve block, complete anesthesia of almost the entire stifle joint can be achieved.…”

“…The technique (Figure 1) is well described previously. 34 Kalamatas et al 7 reported successful use of this block in combination with a sciatic nerve block in dogs undergoing unilateral TPLO surgery. These authors reported no need for rescue analgesia in any of the dogs for the first 24 hours postoperatively.…”

Use of a protective cover affects ground reaction force measurements obtained from dogs walking on a validated pressure-sensitive walkway

“…P ressure-sensitive walkway (PSW) systems have been growing in popularity as an effective and convenient way to objectively assess canine, feline, and equine gait patterns in clinical and research settings. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Several PSW systems have been validated for assessment of temporospatial gait variables including, but not limited to, gait time, distance, velocity, cadence, and cycle time. Additionally, PSW systems are able to measure ground reaction forces (GRFs), including percentage of body weight placed on each limb, impulse (percentage of body weight times seconds), and maximum force exerted on each limb both as a percentage of body weight and as an absolute value.…”

“…Both temporospatial gait variables and GRFs have been used to evaluate treatment effects in dogs, cats, and horses with various orthopedic diseases by comparing measurements obtained before and after treatment. 1,2,8 Use of a protective cover affects ground reaction force measurements obtained from dogs walking on a validated pressure-sensitive walkway Manufacturers of 1 commonly used PSW system have recommended placing a protective cover over the top of the walkway surface while it is in use to protect the walkway from damage. 9 However, a recent study 3 showed that temporospatial gait data and GRFs varied, with limited correlations between GRFs, when dogs were walked on a vinyl mat versus either of 2 polyvinyl chloride yoga mats of different thicknesses.…”