Retrospective study on the use of lumbosacral epidural analgesia during caesarean section surgery in 182 dogs: Impact on blood pressure, analgesic use and delays

Background: We evaluated the use of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia (LEA) in dogs undergoing caesarean section over 10 years. Methods: Anaesthetic records were reviewed and divided into two treatment groups: LEA and control. Outcome variables identified a priori as potentially affected by LEA were compared between groups. Results are frequency or median (minimum–maximum). Results: Ninety‐five dogs received LEA and 87 did not. LEA consisted of 0.2 (0.1–0.3) ml/kg containing bupivacaine (n = 63), ropivacaine (n = 15), or lidocaine (n = 12) at concentrations ranging between 0.06% and 2%. Morphine, fentanyl, or buprenorphine were used as part of LEA. Groups were similar for demographic variables (all p > 0.06). Intravenous opioids were used more often in control than in LEA (p < 0.0005). Incidence of hypotension (MAP < 60 mm Hg) was LEA 68% and control 56% (p = 0.12). Duration of hypotension was longer in LEA (p = 0.03). Use of crystalloids and vasoactive drugs did not differ (all p > 0.1). Time from induction to operating room was 30 (8–75) min for control and 35 (18–65) min for LEA (p = 0.003). Discussion: LEA during caesarean section in dogs was associated with lower rates of opioid administration and did not exacerbate the incidence of hypotension.