title: Thoracic epidural catheter placement using a paramedian approach with cephalad angulation in three dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique for insertion of a thoracic epidural catheter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs (n = 3) undergoing thoracic wall resection and thoracotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A paramedian approach with cephalic angulation was used to place a 24-g epidural catheter in 3 dogs. Dogs 1 and 2 had left caudal thoracic wall resection and dog 3 had left thoracotomy. In dog 1, the epidural catheter was inserted at L2-L3 intervertebral space and the tip of the catheter advanced to the level of T13 vertebral body. In dog 2, the epidural catheter was inserted at T12-T13 intervertebral space and the tip of the catheter was advanced to the level of T8 vertebral body. In dog 3, the epidural catheter was inserted at T13-L1 intervertebral space and its tip advanced until reaching the vertebral body of T10. All dogs were administered a combination of bupivacaine and morphine through the epidural catheter to provide intra- and postoperative analgesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The peridural space was identified and the tip of the catheter was positioned where intended in all dogs. Dog 1 developed transient Horner's syndrome and dog 3 required intraoperative fentanyl during the first part of the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paramedian approach with cephalad angulation is a suitable technique to place thoracic epidural catheters in dogs.
authors: Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Università degli Studi di Padova - Padua Italy. paolo.franci@unipd.it
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Franci
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Leece
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Corletto
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000662:veterinary*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs; D006732:Horner Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D009020:Morphine; D002045:Bupivacaine