Evaluation of signs of postoperative pain and complications after forelimb onychectomy in cats receiving buprenorphine alone or with bupivacaine administered as a four-point regional nerve block.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate signs of postoperative pain and complications after forelimb onychectomy in cats receiving buprenorphine alone or with bupivacaine administered as a 4-point regional nerve block.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.


METHODS
20 cats.


METHODS
All cats received buprenorphine (0.01 mg/kg [0.004 mg/lb], IM) preoperatively. One forelimb of each cat also received bupivacaine (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb] of a 0.75% solution) administered as a 4-point regional nerve block. After onychectomy, discomfort (lameness, foot reaction, and pain) scores were evaluated by 2 experienced observers 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 168 hours postoperatively. Complication (hemorrhage, swelling, and infection) scores were evaluated 24 and 168 hours postoperatively. Surgeries were performed by 1 experienced veterinary surgeon. Rescue analgesia was provided if needed.


RESULTS
6 cats required rescue analgesia postoperatively. There was no difference in discomfort or complication scores between control limbs and limbs in which a nerve block was administered. Additionally, there was no difference in discomfort and complication scores between cats that did or did not require rescue analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Bupivacaine administered as a 4-point regional nerve block in addition to a systemic analgesic did not decrease discomfort or complication scores in cats undergoing forelimb onychectomy.
Curcio
Keith
K
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, USA.
Bidwell
Lori A
LA
Bohart
George V
GV
Hauptman
Joe G
JG
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000601:surgery*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002047:Buprenorphine; D002045:Bupivacaine