Ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block in dogs undergoing sternotomies anaesthetised with propofol-dexmedetomidine continuous infusion

Background To describe the use of a bilateral thoracic (T5 – T9) ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (UG-ESPB) in dogs undergoing sternotomy anaesthetised with propofol and dexmedetomidine continuous infusions. Methods Demographic information, perioperative anaesthetic and analgesic drugs, the prevalence of hypotension and nociceptive events, and their treatment, were recorded and analysed. Local anaesthetic injection point, volume and concentration were reported for each dog. In attempt to differentiate somatic nociception from visceral nociception, the surgery was divided into three timeframes: from the skin incision to the thoracic cavity opening; from the latter to the beginning of its closure; from thoracic cavity closure to the end of surgery. Results Overall, 10 dogs were included and four experienced nociception: somatic nociception was recorded in one dog, whereas visceral nociception was recorded in four dogs. The overall fentanyl consumption to control nociception was 0.3 µg/kg/h. No adverse events associated with the UG-ESPB were reported. Conclusion The bilateral UG-ESPB could be used as a part of a multimodal analgesic technique in dogs undergoing sternotomies. However, more clinical studies are warranted to assess its safety and effects.