[Motor and sensitive blockade provided by epidural lidocaine or ropivacaine in dogs]

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensory and motor blockade of epidural 0.5% and 0.75% Ropivacaine or Lidocaine in dogs. Twenty-four dogs were distributed in four groups: 0.9% NaCl (GS), 2% lidocaine (GL), 0.5% ropivacaine (GR5) and 0.75% ropivacaine (GR7.5). Spontaneous movement, ability to walk, superficial, and deep pain response were assessed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes after epidural. Time to return to spontaneous movement was similar between GL (42.50 ± 6.12) and GR7.5 (69.2 ± 58.9). Time to return to ambulation was longer in GR7.5 (107.5 ± 79.3) than in GS (9.2 ± 3.8) and GR5 (32.5 ± 20.9). Time to recover deep sensitivity was longer in GR 7.5 (152.5 ± 89.2) than in GS (5.8 ± 2.0), GR5 (46.7 ± 46.3) and GL (52.5 ± 20.7). Time to return superficial sensitivity was longer in GR7.5 (205.0 ± 129.3) when compared to GS (7.5 ± 2.7), GL (72.5 ± 19.9) and GR5 (97.5 ± 55.1). Despite the early return of spontaneous movement, 0.75% ropivacaine is related to longer periods for muscle function recovery and longer sensory block than lidocaine and 0.5% ropivacaine.