Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Evaluate and compare the analgesic effect of epidural lidocaine and lidocaine- neostigmine combination in dogs.
Methods: Six healthy dogs of mixed breed weighing 12–15 kg were selected for this study. All dogs received all treatments in a cross-over design with at least a one-week interval. Dogs were premeditated with Xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) and general anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium (12.5 mg/kg) to perform the lumbosacral puncture. Epidural analgesia was done using either 6 mg/kg of lidocaine 2% or a combination of 6 mg/kg of Lidocaine 2%, with 10 µg/kg neostigmine. The degree of analgesia was evaluated using a numerical
rating scale. Analgesia was defined as lack of response to pinprick test and pressure from hemostat clamp and was performed after one hour of epidural injection, and thereafter every 10 min until complete recovery. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded before (baseline, 0) and at every 10 min until a complete recovery was observed.
Results: HR, RR and RT did not differ between treatments at any time point. The lidocaine–neostigmine combination produced a significant (P < 0.05) longer duration of analgesia than lidocaine alone. The addition of neostigmine resulted in a significantly longer duration of analgesia. Co-administration of epidural neostigmine and lignocaine appears to be a useful technique for postoperative analgesia as it increases the duration of analgesia
Conclusion: Adding neostigmine to epidural administered lidocaine in dogs increases the analgesic effect on both hind limbs and perineal region.
Short running title: Lidocaine-neostigmine epidural in the dog.

Key words: Keywords: Analgesia, dog, epidural, lidocaine, neostigmine.