Complications associated with the use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs: 81 cases (1996-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate complications associated with use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs in a clinical setting.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
81 client-owned dogs.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for dogs in which a 19-gauge epidural catheter was placed percutaneously at L7-S1 and advanced to the point of maximum efficacy for pain control (between L7 and T4, depending on the procedure). Catheters were used to provide perioperative epidural analgesia during surgeries that included perineal (n = 6), hind limb (33), abdominal (43), thoracic (5), forelimb (2), and cervical (1) procedures.


RESULTS
Catheters were maintained in situ from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.3 days; median, 2.0 days). Sixty-four dogs did not have complications; 17 dogs had minor complications. Catheter dislodgement was the most common complication (13/80 [16%] dogs). Catheter site contamination without inflammation developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs; inflammation at the catheter site developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs but was not related to duration of time the catheter was in place. Complications were not serious and did not require treatment other than catheter removal. Dogs that dislodged their catheters were significantly younger (mean, 2.9 years; median, 2.0 years) than other dogs (mean, 6.2 years; median, 6.0 years). Dogs that received femoral fracture repair dislodged their catheters more often (62.5%) than dogs undergoing other procedures (10.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
The complication rate associated with temporary epidural catheterization of dogs appears to be low, and complications generally are not serious.
Swalander
D B
DB
Carson-Tahoe Veterinary Hospital, Carson City, NV 89701, USA.
Crowe
D T
DT
Hittenmiller
D H
DH
Jahn
P J
PJ
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies