Vets’ revolutionary treatment
Faced with ongoing demand for cruciate and stifle surgery for dogs, a veterinary practice has introduced a new process using nerve blocks that has revolutionised its treatment.
The clinical director at Avondale Vets in Strathaven, Mark Holmes, has seen post-operative recovery times reduce to just one hour when using a portable nerve stimulator called Plexygon from leading supplier Vygon Vet. Previously, recovery could take up anywhere between eight and 24 hours.
“It’s been pretty incredible,” he said. “To see a patient standing, eating and walking out for toileting within an hour or so of surgery has been outstanding.
“Our new approach using a local
nerve block and intra-articular morphine provides complete and reliable analgesia of the entire hind leg. What’s more, we have greater anaesthetic stability from lower levels of anaesthetic gas, which is better for the environment.
“We have experienced fewer problems with blood pressure, and we require lower levels of opiates. The dog can reliably go home the same day because the effects will last for around eight to 12 hours.”
Mark was exploring the benefits of local nerve blocks and was introduced to Vygon Vet through CPD training.
After using a Plexygon on trial, he now says that he would be uncomfortable performing surgery without it.
He said: “It isn’t suitable to every type of nerve block, as there needs to be a motor response for it to work. But for where it can be used, even if I was prepared to operate without Plexygon, I don’t believe the nurses would allow me”