Local and regional anaesthesia
Nerve blocks, infiltration and epidural anaesthesia as a supplement to general anaesthesia or as stand-alone anaesthesia for minor procedures. Pain management standard STD-04.
What it involves
Local anaesthesia involves injecting a drug (for example lidocaine or bupivacaine) directly around the nerves that carry pain from the operated site. As a result the pain signal never reaches the brain at all. Regional anaesthesia is the same principle over a larger area: a block of an entire limb, half of the jaw, or the hind part of the body (epidural anaesthesia).
In dogs and cats we use it almost always together with general anaesthesia or sedation — the animal must lie still. The benefit is twofold: during the procedure less anaesthetic gas is needed (and so there is less strain on the circulation), and after the procedure the patient wakes without sharp pain and for several to a dozen or so hours needs fewer systemic drugs.
Blocks are one of the pillars of our standard STD-04 (multimodal pain management). We perform them using anatomical landmarks and, for some blocks, under ultrasound guidance.
When it is used
We use blocks for dental procedures (extractions), orthopaedic operations on the limbs, amputations, operations on the hind part of the body (epidurals for caesarean section, perineal surgery, pelvic limbs), removal of skin tumours, and also as stand-alone anaesthesia under sedation when suturing small wounds, taking skin biopsies or removing small lesions.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- The dog has a knee or hip operation planned and we want to limit pain after the procedure.
- The cat needs several teeth removed — a maxillary nerve block allows lighter anaesthesia.
- The animal has a skin wound to be sutured, and full anaesthesia is not necessary.
- The bitch needs a caesarean section — epidural anaesthesia reduces the amount of drugs reaching the puppies.
- The patient has a heart condition and we want to minimise the amount of anaesthetic gas.
- The dog needs a toe or limb amputation — a block reduces the risk of chronic pain.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Because we perform blocks under sedation or anaesthesia, the patient undergoes pre-anaesthetic assessment under STD-01: examination, blood tests, heart assessment in higher-risk patients. In addition, the vet checks that the skin at the injection site is healthy (we do not perform blocks through infected tissue) and that there is no clotting disorder — this is particularly important for epidural anaesthesia.
For limb blocks, a prior X-ray is helpful, showing the extent of the changes and allowing us to plan which nerves need to be covered.
How it proceeds
After sedation or induction of anaesthesia we clip and disinfect the injection site. The vet locates the nerve using anatomical landmarks and, for deep blocks (brachial plexus, sciatic nerve), may use ultrasound to see the needle and nerve on the screen. The drug is given slowly, after checking that the needle is not in a vessel.
The block starts to work after 5–15 minutes, so we perform it before preparing the surgical field. The effect lasts from 1–2 hours (lidocaine) to 6–12 hours (bupivacaine). With epidural anaesthesia we give the drug in the lumbosacral region; the patient may have weakened hind legs for up to several hours after the procedure.
Doses are strictly calculated by body weight, and all drugs given are recorded on the anaesthetic chart. Separate, lower limits apply to cats.
Aftercare
After a limb block, the animal may not feel the paw for several hours and may place it unsteadily — make sure it does not jump or climb stairs. After blocks in the mouth, a dog or cat may not feel its lip and may bite it; we give soft food and observe. Give analgesics according to the schedule before the block wears off.
Contact us if limb weakness persists for more than 24 hours, swelling appears at the injection site or the animal shows increased pain despite medication.
Frequently asked questions
Does a nerve block replace anaesthesia?
In animals it usually does not. At the very least sedation is needed so that the patient lies still. A nerve block means that the anaesthesia can be lighter and there is less pain after the procedure.
Is epidural anaesthesia safe for a dog?
With correct technique and after excluding clotting disorders, it is a routine method. Temporary weakness of the hind limbs is an expected effect and not a complication.
Do blocks cost extra?
They are part of the analgesic protocol, not an add-on. We give the quote for the procedure in full, including anaesthesia.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about local and regional anaesthesia?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.