A comparison of the analgesic effects of caudal epidural methadone and lidocaine in the horse.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the effects of caudal epidural administration of methadone (METH) and lidocaine (LIDO) on tolerance to thermal stimulation over the dermatomes of the perineal, sacral, lumbar and thoracic regions in the horse.

STUDY DESIGN

A blinded, randomized, prospective, experimental cross-over study.

ANIMALS

Seven healthy horses, 15.7 +/- 4.9 years (mean +/- SD) of age, weighing 536 +/- 37 kg.

METHODS

The horses were randomly assigned to receive two treatments (group M: METH, 0.1 mg kg-1 or group L: LIDO, 0.35 mg kg-1) at intervals of at least 28 days. An 18-gauge 80-mm Tuohy epidural needle was placed in the first intercoccygeal space (Co1-Co2) in awake standing horses restrained in stocks. Analgesia was assessed by use of a probe maintained at a constant 62 degrees C by circulating hot water. The maximum stimulation time was 30 seconds. Bilateral stimulation was performed at five defined points. Before drug administration, baseline values of response time to thermal stimuli were obtained. Time to response was then measured 15 and 60 minutes after METH or LIDO administration and then hourly until the response returned to baseline at all stimulation points on two further assessments. Development of any ataxia and/or sedation was recorded. Positive pain responses were defined as purposeful avoidance movements of the head, neck, trunk, limbs and tail. Absence of attempts to kick, bite and turning of the head toward the stimulation site were used to indicate analgesia.

RESULTS

Caudal epidural administration of METH and LIDO significantly increased reaction time to thermal stimulation (one-sample t-test; p = 0.05). Analgesia in the perineal region was present 15 minutes after both METH and LIDO administration and progressed from caudal to cranial dermatones with time. The duration of a significant increase in reaction time was 5 hours after METH injection compared to 3 hours following LIDO. All horses defaecated and urinated normally, and no excitement, sedation or ataxia were observed after METH administration. The horses were unable to defaecate normally and were moderately to severely ataxic with hindlimb weakness after LIDO.

CONCLUSIONS

Caudal epidural administration of methadone has considerable potential in the management of perineal, lumbo-sacral and thoracic pain in horses. Regional differences exist in the onset, duration and intensity of the pain relief.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Epidural methadone administration provides analgesia with no measured side effects in these healthy adult horses.