Assistant Professor College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri
Local analgesia has been emphasized for its ability to control postoperative pain while having the added benefits of low-risk drug related side effects. This study compares the analgesic effect of liposome-encapsulated bupivacaine (Nocita®) and fentanyl constant rate infusion (CRI) for the management of postoperative pain after hemilaminectomy due to intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs. This is a randomized prospective comparison study. The study was carried out on 20 dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. After CT or MRI, the dogs were divided into 2 groups: group A (n=11 dogs) received Nocita on the epaxial muscles during surgical closure and group B (n=9 dogs) received Fentanyl CRI postoperatively. Using the Colorado state pain score (CSU score) and mechanical sensory threshold measurement using a pressure meter, the dogs were monitored and scored at 4 time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests with significant set at p <0.05. Both drugs showed a good analgesia. There was no significant difference between the groups at any time point regarding to CSU score and mechanical sensory threshold. One dog in group A had an opioid rescue. No side effect was noted in group A. 1 dog in group B showed aspiration pneumonia. Local analgesia using Nocita was similarly effective to Fentanyl CRI for controling postoperative pain in dog undergoing hemilaminectomy. A large blinded cohort study is required to evaluate limitations but Nocita might be preferable than Fentanyl CRI for the patients with high risk of opioid side effects.
