Objective

To compare the nerve stimulation test (group NS) with the running-drip method (group RUN) for successful identification of the sacrococcygeal (SCo) epidural space prior to drug administration in dogs.

Animals

A total of 62 dogs.

Study design

A randomized clinical study.

Methods

Dogs requiring an epidural anaesthetic as part of the multimodal anaesthetic plan were randomly allocated to one of the two study groups. In group NS, the epidural space was located using an insulated needle connected to a nerve stimulator; in group RUN, the epidural space was identified using a Tuohy needle connected to a fluid bag elevated 60 cm above the spine via an administration set. The success of the technique was assessed 5 minutes after epidural injection by the disappearance of the patella reflex. Data were checked for normality, nonparametric data was analysed using a Mann–Whitney U test and success rate was analysed using a Fisher’s exact test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, and the results are presented in absolute values, percentage (95% confident interval) and median (range).

Results

The success in identification of the epidural space did not differ between groups NS and RUN [87.1% (70.2%–96.4%) versus 90.3% (74.2%–98%); p = 1.000]. The time required for identification of the epidural space was shorter in group RUN [26 (15–53) seconds] than in group NS [40 (19–137) seconds] (p = 0.0225). No other differences were found in any studied variables.

Conclusion

and clinical relevance In this study, both RUN and NS techniques were successful in identifying the epidural space at the SCo intervertebral space. RUN requires no specialised equipment, can be performed rapidly and offers an alternative to the NS for use in general veterinary practice.

中文翻译：

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使用神经刺激试验或流式滴灌法在犬中鉴定cro球硬膜外腔。

目的

为了比较神经刺激试验（NS组）与滴灌法（RUN组）在给狗给药前成功鉴定cro尾硬膜外（SCo）硬膜外腔的能力。

动物

共有62条狗。

学习规划

一项随机临床研究。

方法

需要将硬膜外麻醉剂作为多峰麻醉方案一部分的狗被随机分配到两个研究组之一。在NS组中，硬膜外腔使用连接神经刺激器的绝缘针进行定位。在RUN组中，使用Tuohy针通过给药组将硬膜外腔连接至脊柱上方60 cm的液袋，以识别硬膜外腔。硬膜外注射5分钟后通过by骨反射的消失评估该技术是否成功。检查数据的正态性，使用Mann-Whitney U检验分析非参数数据，并使用Fisher精确检验分析成功率。显着性水平设置为p <0.05，结果以绝对值，百分比（95％置信区间）和中位数（范围）表示。

结果

NS组和RUN组之间硬膜外腔的识别成功率没有差异[87.1％（70.2％–96.4％）对90.3％（74.2％–98％）；p  = 1.000]。RUN组[26（15-53）秒]识别硬膜外腔所需的时间短于NS组[40（19-137）秒]（p  = 0.0225）。在任何研究变量中均未发现其他差异。

结论

与临床意义在这项研究中，RUN和NS技术均成功地确定了SCo椎间隙中的硬膜外腔。RUN不需要专门的设备，可以快速执行，并为一般兽医提供了NS的替代品。