Use of the caudal thoracic paravertebral block in a multimodal anaesthetic protocol for cholecystectomy in a diabetic dog

Abstract

This report describes the anaesthetic management of a diabetic dog undergoing cholecystectomy. A multimodal analgesic approach was employed, including an ultrasound-guided bilateral caudal thoracic paravertebral block (CTPVB) with bupivacaine, to reduce the need for inhalational anaesthetics and systemic opioids. With the use of the CTPVB, no additional analgesia was required during the 8 hour period following endotracheal extubation. This is the first report describing the use of a CTPVB to provide analgesia and cardiovascular stability in a diabetic dog undergoing cholecystectomy.

Keywords: anaesthesia; analgesia; caudal thoracic paravertebral block; cholecystectomy; diabetes mellitus; dog.