Interventional analgesic block in a dog with cauda equina syndrome. Case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The cauda equina syndrome is a neurological condition prevalent in dogs which neurological signs are caused by the compression of the nerve roots located in the lumbosacral spinal canal and is frequently associated with pain, claudication, paresis or paralysis of the hindlimbs and changes in the functioning of the sphincters. The objective of this study was to check the effects of the epidural injection with the combination of dexamethasone, bupivacaine and morphine on the relief of pain and neurological signs in a dog with traumatic cauda equina syndrome. CASE REPORT: Case study of a 2-year old Red Heeler dog, weighing 16kg with a diagnosis of post-trauma cauda equina syndrome. The evaluation consisted of neurological and pain assessment (visual analog scale), quality of life ("5H2M") and infrared thermography. After the initial evaluation and authorization of the tutor, the dog was submitted to general anesthesia and a lumbosacral epidural block, guided by electrostimulation, with the association of dexamethasone, bupivacaine and morphine. After the procedure, the dog showed immediate remission of claudication, paresis and satisfactory analgesia on days 0, 15, 30 and 60 after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The epidural block was effective in improving pain, quality of life and neurological signs and may be an excellent alternative in dogs with pain syndromes associated with the spinal canal.