How to Place an Epidural Catheter Easily and Maximize Its Clinical Effects

摘要

Epidural anesthesia is a beneficial mode of pain management in the equine practice. It is an easy technique that can have profound effects on acute and chronic pain. Using the epidural space allows for direct analgesic effects in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which minimizes systemic effects. A smaller dose of a drug can be used in epidural anesthesia, and it will oftentimes have a longer duration of action than when used systemically. Epidural anesthesia and analgesia have long been used primarily for orthopedic and soft tissue conditions affecting the hindlimbs and perineal region. However, there are reports of infused volumes that provide similar effects for the forelimbs, abdomen, or thoracic structures. Epidural catheters can be easily maintained in hospital settings and result in few complications with long-term use.