Epidurals

Re: Epidurals

Robert Wallace — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:00:40 GMT

Hi, i do them every now and again - don't usually have to use a spinal needle but if its a really big dog sometimes it helps. Personally I just use morphine (at 0.1mg/kg) with preservative. Although I know you're not supposed to, neither me nor my old professor of anaesthesia ever have ever had any problems with it! But I guess it depends on the individual vet.

Seems to provide pretty good analgesia for a day or so! Occassionally have used ketamine too but I am unconvinced of its efficacy as an epidural.

I also ask the client first about clipping hair off the back although never had anyone refuse.

Good Luck!

Re: Epidurals

Felicity Caldwell — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:27:08 GMT

Hey Mairead chick!

We use epidurals - could probably do with using them more often too! Normally we just use spinal needles. Some dogs can be a right problem i.e. horrifically obese patients...just to get the needle into the right space!! Often have vets stressing and swearing if its not going right in fat dogs!!

Did go to good analgesia lecture a while ago now. For example, we use bupivicaine and morphine (preservative free!) for our THR patients. The lecture I went to said its common to just use morphine on its own (especially if the vet is worried about post-op mobility and urinary retention). I did try a while ago mentioning to our practice we should use them more...but every vet is different. When they work well....they are fantastic! If you would like doses etc I can bring them along to study weekend (along with these extremely late copies of consent forms....which I sincerely apologise for not giving them to you by now!!!) Hope all is well,

See you soon!! ps you dont happen to be looking for a new VN. I know a lass who has moved to cork and is only doing temp locum work but I think she is on the look out for a job!?

Re: Epidurals

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:19:56 GMT

have seen spinal needles used lots.

provide excellent intra/post op analgesia, can cause urinary retention.

you vets should be able to advise which needles to use tho.

you may also need loss of resistance sringes too.

hope this helps, been a while since i nursed one.