Multifidus cervicis plane block as part of a multimodal approach in a dog undergoing dorsal C3 laminectomy

Authors: Ariel Cañón-Pérez, Rocío Fernández-Parra, Jaime Viscasillas-Monteagudo, Cristina Bonastre-Ráfales

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2026. vol. 6, Iss. 1 pp:1-6
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.1.0172

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Abstract:

Effective perioperative analgesia is crucial in canine spinal surgery due to the moderate to severe pain associated. Locoregional anaesthesia is increasingly used within multimodal strategies to reduce opioid requirements, but reports on cervical applications remain limited. This case report describes the first use of a multifidus cervicis plane block in a Labrador Retriever undergoing dorsal laminectomy at C3 for removal of a dorsally compressive extradural mass. A multimodal anesthetic protocol included medetomidine, methadone, propofol, ketamine, and midazolam, with anaesthesia maintained using sevoflurane and a ketamine infusion. Bilateral ultrasound-guided multifidus cervicis plane blocks were performed, injecting bupivacaine (0.15 ml kg-1 per side) in the interfascial plane between the multifidus and semispinalis capititis muscles. Hemodynamic stability was maintained intraoperatively, with only a single fentanyl bolus required. Postoperative analgesia included ketamine and medetomidine infusions, paracetamol, gabapentin, methylprednisolone, and physiotherapy. Pain scores remained below intervention thresholds, and no additional opioid rescue was needed. The patient showed progressive neurological improvement and was discharged eight days postoperatively. Histopathology confirmed chronic pyogranulomatous pachymeningitis. This report demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefit of cervical multifidus plane block, supporting its inclusion in multimodal analgesia for cervical spine surgery. Further studies are warranted to define optimal dosing, efficacy, and safety.

Keywords:

Cervical spine surgery, Locorregional anaesthesia, Cervical multifidus plane block, multimodal analgesic approach, laminectomy

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