Use of acupuncture as adjuvant analgesic technique in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy

Persistent socket pain in a dog after the enucleation of the eye and its clinical management

Persistent socket pain is a condition described in humans after enucleation of the eye. This report aims at describing this condition in dogs. A 10-year-old male-neutered crossbreed was presented to the referral veterinary surgeon for enucleation of the right ocular globe. Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful although during the postoperative period the dog was reluctant to open the mouth and to be explored by the referral veteterinary surgeon. Despite treatment with meloxicam, paracetamol and tramadol, no improvements were observed. Ten weeks after surgery, the dog was referred to the Dick White referrals for further investigations. Ophthalmic examination was normal, though palpation of the wound triggered an avoidance response. Magnetic resonance imaging showed changes compatible with orbital cellulitis. The area of interest was evaluated with the use of the mechanical Von Frey filaments. A response, characterised by sudden turning of the head and attempts to withdraw it, was evoked with filament 4.93 (8.0 g) during stimulation of the periorbital area. After induction of anaesthesia, an ultrasound-guided injection containing levobupivacaine 0.5% and methylprednisolone was performed within the retrobulbar area. Three hours after recovery from anaesthesia, no discomfort was observed during palpation of the area. Re-evaluation was performed with the Von Frey filaments; no response could be evoked during testing with all 20 filaments (from 2.36 to 6.65) applied on either side of the face. The patient was discharged with a course of gabapentin and, 3 weeks after the intervention, the dog showed no clinical signs of pain. Persistent socket pain is an unpleasant sensation at the level of the enucleated orbit, and it should be regarded as a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. The MRI findings appeared to be essential to select the most appropriate interventional treatment. The injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into the retrobulbar space was useful for both confirming the diagnosis and treating pain by reducing the peripheral signalling and decreasing the residual inflammation.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on impaired mobility in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is common in the aging dog and is associated with chronic pain and impaired mobility. The main objective of this study was to determine whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) would increase physical activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Twenty-three dogs with osteoarthritis were instrumented with an accelerometer 48 h before the first LLLT session (baseline), to record daily activity. Each dog underwent six consecutive weekly laser treatments. The scores of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs' were recorded for clinical purposes, as a tool to titrate the analgesic therapy of each individual dog, before LLLT (as baseline) and then weekly for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The number of daily activities increased during week 2 (161,674; SD, 103,666) and remained higher than baseline (93,481; SD, 107,878) until week 6 (179,309; SD, 126,044; p < 0.001). Daily step count increased from week 1 (4472; SD, 3427) compared to baseline (1109; SD, 1061) and remained higher than the baseline until the end of week 6 (8416; SD, 3166; p < 0.001). Average energy expenditure during the study period was 179 [range, 2-536] kcal/day; there were no statistically significant differences in this variable between weeks of treatment. Systemic analgesics therapy was decreased in 50% of the dogs during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser therapy may advance the management of osteoarthritis by increasing the level of activity of dogs, therefore improving their quality of life.

Randomized clinical trial comparing outcomes after fentanyl or ketamine-dexmedetomidine analgesia in thoracolumbar spinal surgery in dogs

Background

Opioids are widely used for perioperative pain control in dogs undergoing spinal surgery, but alternatives may be required because data suggest that opioids exacerbate inflammation in the injured spinal cord and veterinary access to opioids may become more restricted in the future.

Objectives

To compare recovery of ambulation and other functions between spinal cord‐injured dogs receiving peri‐operative fentanyl and those receiving a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination.

Animals

A total of 102 client‐owned dogs undergoing decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Methods

Randomized clinical trial. Dogs were randomized 1:1 to fentanyl or a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination for intra and postoperative analgesia. Primary outcome was time to recovery of ambulation; secondary outcomes were the postoperative Colorado Acute Pain Scale, the short‐form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, time to recovery of voluntary urination and time to unassisted eating.

Results

No difference was found in time to recovery of ambulation between groups (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55‐1.24; P = .36) or in pain scores (Colorado: χ² = 14.74; P = .32; Glasgow: χ² = 6.61; P = .76). Differences in time to recovery of eating and urination were small but favored ketamine‐dexmedetomidine (adjusted odds ratios, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.53‐7.16; P = .002 and 2.43; 95% CI, 1.00‐5.96; P = .05, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There was no evidence that, at the doses used, fentanyl impaired ambulatory outcome after surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. Pain control appeared similar between groups. Secondary outcomes suggested minor benefits associated with ketamine‐dexmedetomidine. The ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination appears to be a reasonable alternative to peri‐operative opioids.

ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

Background

Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL‐IVDE) is the most common cause of acute paraparesis and paraplegia in dogs; however, guidelines on management of the condition are lacking.

Objectives

To summarize the current literature as it relates to diagnosis and management of acute TL‐IVDE in dogs, and to formulate clinically relevant evidence‐based recommendations.

Animals

None.

Methods

A panel of 8 experts was convened to assess and summarize evidence from the peer‐reviewed literature in order to develop consensus clinical recommendations. Level of evidence available to support each recommendation was assessed and reported.

Results

The majority of available literature described observational studies. Most recommendations made by the panel were supported by a low or moderate level of evidence, and several areas of high need for further study were identified. These include better understanding of the ideal timing for surgical decompression, expected surgical vs medical outcomes for more mildly affected dogs, impact of durotomy on locomotor outcome and development of progressive myelomalacia, and refining of postoperative care, and genetic and preventative care studies.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Future efforts should build on current recommendations by conducting prospective studies and randomized controlled trials, where possible, to address identified gaps in knowledge and to develop cost effectiveness and number needed to treat studies supporting various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of TL‐IVDE.