Development of an algorithm for performing high epidural anesthesia during unilateral mastectomy in cats
https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2025.3.520
Abstract
In cats with mammary gland cancer, unilateral mastectomy is performed, which requires high-quality analgesia. In accordance with international recommendations, we propose using regional anesthesia methods, in particular, high epidural anesthesia, which is easy to perform, but requires accurate calculation of the volume of local anesthetic. For this, it is necessary to develop a method that takes into account the length of the spinal canal and the degree of distribution along the epidural space in different parts of the cat's spine. The aim of the study was to develop a technique for performing high epidural anesthesia for unilateral mastectomy in cats. Thirty cat cadaver materials and ten live cats were used in the study. As a result of the work, the required blockade area for performing unilateral mastectomy in cats was determined. To control the distribution of fluid, a mixture of Omnipaque radiopaque solution and Ropivacaine local anesthetic were injected into the epidural space, and the contrasting of the epidural space was controlled using X-ray images. The injections were performed stepwise, consistently increasing the total volume of the solution, and changes in contrast were recorded on a series of radiographic images. As a result, an algorithm was developed for calculating the required volume of local anesthetic. To confirm the experimental data on cat cadaver material, clinical trials of the method were conducted on live cats that underwent unilateral mastectomy for medical reasons. In live cats, pain levels were assessed during and after surgery using pain assessment scales. The clinical analgesic capacity of epidural analgesia during unilateral mastectomy in cats was assessed, and its effectiveness for analgesia during surgery was proven.
About the Authors
A. D. Myachikov
Veterinary clinic "Stravet"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
veterinarian
L. A. Glazunova
FGBOU VO GAU of the Northern Trans-Urals
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
D.Sc. (Veterinary Medicine), Professor, Department of Morphology, Physiology and General Pathology
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For citations:
Myachikov A.D., Glazunova L.A. Development of an algorithm for performing high epidural anesthesia during unilateral mastectomy in cats. International Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2025;(3):520-531. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2025.3.520
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