Comparison of bupivacaine liposome injectable solution and fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing limb amputation

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of the study were to compare the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of two analgesic protocols consisting of bupivacaine liposome injectable solution (BLIS) and 0.5% bupivacaine and fentanyl for postsurgical analgesia in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Study design: Randomized, double-blind, prospective, controlled, intent-to-treat, clinical noninferiority trial. Animals: Forty client-owned dogs. Methods: Dogs undergoing amputation were randomly assigned to either the BLIS or control group. Postoperative pain, sedation, nausea, and amount eaten were assessed using appropriate scales at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h by trained individuals blinded to the treatment protocol. Rescue analgesia was provided for Glasgow composite measure pain scale (short form) (CMPS-SF) scores of 5 or above. Clients were requested to pain score their dogs at home using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for 48 h following discharge. Results: Forty dogs completed this study (20 control dogs and 20 BLIS dogs). The BLIS and control groups were equivalent for sedation, nausea, amount eaten, and pain, at all time periods except at 6 h (p