Therapeutic Use of Neuraxial Drugs in Veterinary Medicine

Neuraxial drug administration offers a simple and effective technique to provide appropriate analgesia to patients for a variety of procedures and conditions. The use of neuraxial anesthesia in domestic animals was first described over 100 years ago, with increasing use and development of techniques occurring over the last 30 years or so. The interesting history of neuraxial therapeutics is briefly reviewed with special focus on some of the key pioneers and their contributions. A description of relevant vertebral column and spinal cord anatomy allows for identification of key structures and points out important species-specific differences, as this knowledge is essential for successfully providing neuraxial anesthesia in domestic animals. The somatic and visceral segmental innervation is mapped out, and clear therapeutic targets are identified. Indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of neuraxial drug administration in domestic animals are discussed. Common drugs, doses, and volumes are provided for each of the domestic species. Finally, the techniques for single-shot and continuous epidural drug administration are described in detail.