Outcome of epidural catheterization for delivery of analgesics in horses: 43 cases (1998–2001)

Abstract

Results suggest that epidural catheterization can be used successfully for repeated epidural delivery of analgesics and anesthetics in horses with various clinical conditions. Complications associated with epidural catheters or epidural drug administration were infrequent and transient.

The use of multimodal analgesia in the management of suspected extremity compartment syndrome in the pelvic limb of a horse

“…Complications associated with the use of epidural catheters in horses include premature dislodgement, obstruction, leakage, inflammation around the catheter site, generalised muscle tremors, ataxia, pruritus and epidural steatitis with cauda equina neuritis symptoms (Robinson and Natalini ; Martin et al . ; Steblaj et al . ).…”

Accidental knotting and subsequent removal of a catheter from the epidural space in an adult cow: a case report

“…Catheters (19 gauge, material not specified) were introduced into the epidural space at the lumbosacral junction, inserted variable distances between the seventh lumbar and fourth thoracic vertebrae, and left in place for up to 7 days (typically 2–3 days). A retrospective report of 43 equine cases had similar findings, identifying catheter dislodgement ( n = 7), obstruction ( n = 5), leakage ( n = 5), and localized inflammation ( n = 3) as complications . Catheter insertion depth was not reported, but insertion distances of up to 30 cm have been recommended in horses .…”

Continuous caudal epidural analgesia for perioperative pain control after bilateral mastectomy in a mare

“…This procedure is relatively easy to perform and provides analgesia for standing surgical processes on the perineal region and pain management in obstetrical procedures (Skarda and Muir 1983, Green and Cooper 1984). Serial epidural administration of analgesics and anaesthetics can be performed successfully after catheter placement and complications associated with epidural catheterisation are either transient or minimal in horses (Martin and others 2003). To the authors’ knowledge, only one case of cauda equina neuritis symptoms has been described after epidural catheterisation in an adult mare (Steblaj and others 2013).…”