Effect of levobupivacaine, administered intraperitoneally, on physiological variables and on intrasurgery and postsurgery pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate intra- and post-operative efficacy and cardiovascular effects of levobupivacaine compared with bupivacaine, administered intraperitoneally in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy surgery. Methods Thirty females, divided into three groups of ten subjects B, L and E. All subjects received dexmedetomidine 5 μg Kg-1 and methadone 0,3 mg Kg-1 intramuscularly, propofol 4 mg Kg-1 intravenously and isoflurane after intubation. After laparotomy, bupivacaine 2,5 mg Kg-1 (B group), levobupivacaine 2,5 mg Kg-1 (L group) or saline solution 0,9% (E group) were sprayed on ovarian stalks and on the neck of the uterus. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), hemoglobin saturation (Sp02), non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SAP), carbon dioxide at the end of expiration (ETCO2) and concentration of inspired isofluorane (CI) were recorded . Evaluation of intra-operative analgesia was performed with a cumulative pain scale, while evaluation of post-operative analgesia was performed using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS). Results Intraoperative analgesia was significantly different among the groups p=0.000, L group scores were lower than groups B and E Total pain score, during the 24 hours after extubation, was significantly different between the groups. In fact, in Groups B and L scores were statistically lower than Group E In our study there were no differences in anesthetic power between the two local anesthetics No patients manifested side effects Clinical Significance Intraperitoneal anesthesia, with levobupivacaine represents an effective and safe method to control intra and postoperative pain in abdominal surgery