Thoracic transversus plane block as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy

Pérez, Bartolome Rico; Martínez, Cristina Parra; Jiménez, Carolina Palacios

Abstract

A 12-year-old, neutered, male, domestic shorthair cat presented for investigation of acute-onset respiratory distress and cough. Computed tomography scan showed bilateral pleural effusion and dorsal elevation of the trachea compatible with a mass effect. A median sternotomy was performed. Anaesthetic protocol consisted of premedication with intravenous methadone (0.2 mg/kg), induction with alfaxalone to effect and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen. Transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed injecting 0.4 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side. Fentanyl (2 mu g/kg) was administered as rescue analgesia once during surgery. The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale was assessed postoperatively. Methadone was given as rescue analgesia postoperatively when Glasgow pain score was greater than 5/20. The first administration of methadone was required at 8 hours after the transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed. This case showed that the ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block is a feasible technique in feline patients as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy.

Citation

Pérez, B. R., Martínez, C. P., & Jiménez, C. P. (in press). Thoracic transversus plane block as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy. Vet Record Case Reports, https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.586

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 13, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 24, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 27, 2023
• Journal: Veterinary Record Case Reports
• Print ISSN: 2052-6121
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-6121
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.586
• Keywords: CLINICAL-EXPERIENCES; ULTRASOUND; PAIN; INJECTION; DOGS