Blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of bupivacaine liposomal suspension using static bodyweight distribution and subjective pain scoring in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the analgesic effect of surgical wound infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to saline placebo in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

STUDY

DESIGN

Blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical prospective study.

ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned dogs receiving LB and 17 dogs receiving an equivalent volume of saline placebo, all with confirmed unilateral cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency.

METHODS

Preoperatively and up to 48 h after surgery, Glasgow Composite Measure Short Form (CMPS-SF) pain scores were assigned and using a weight distribution platform, static bodyweight distribution (%BWdist ) to the operated limb was measured. Postoperatively, dogs also received carprofen 2.2 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 h. Rescue analgesia was provided. Treatment success was defined as not requiring rescue analgesia over the 48-h postoperative period.

RESULTS

There was no difference between treatment success, postoperative opioid consumption, CMPS-SF pain scores, or %BWdist in dogs that received surgical wound infiltration with LB compared with those receiving saline placebo, following TPLO. There was no linear correlation between CMPS-SF pain scores and %BWdist .

CONCLUSION

For the population of dogs that underwent TPLO and received postoperative carprofen at our institution, LB did not provide an analgesic effect discernable by success/failure analysis, CMPS-SF pain scores, or %BWdist measurement using a weight distribution platform, compared with saline placebo.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: LB may not provide detectable analgesia during the first 48 h for dogs recovering from TPLO and receiving only postoperative carprofen.