Thoracic transversus plane block as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy

Abstract

AbstractA 12‐year‐old, neutered, male, domestic shorthair cat presented for investigation of acute‐onset respiratory distress and cough. Computed tomography scan showed bilateral pleural effusion and dorsal elevation of the trachea compatible with a mass effect. A median sternotomy was performed. Anaesthetic protocol consisted of premedication with intravenous methadone (0.2 mg/kg), induction with alfaxalone to effect and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen. Transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed injecting 0.4 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side. Fentanyl (2 μg/kg) was administered as rescue analgesia once during surgery. The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale was assessed postoperatively. Methadone was given as rescue analgesia postoperatively when Glasgow pain score was greater than 5/20. The first administration of methadone was required at 8 hours after the transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed. This case showed that the ultrasound‐guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block is a feasible technique in feline patients as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy.