Katara, a 2.5 year old mixed-breed dog, needed to undergo emergency surgery due to intervertebral disc disease. The surgery was carried out collaboratively by the surgical and anesthesia teams. Our Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia Dr. Christopher Sun, performed Katara’s general anesthesia procedure. To reduce the spinal pain and improve recovery, he performed an erector spinae plane (ESP) block under general anaesthesia prior to surgery. The ESP block is an advanced ultrasound-guided regional technique that involves injecting local anesthetic into the fascial plane between the erector spinae muscles and the transverse processes of the vertebrae. The local anesthetic spreads along the fascial plane to anesthetize nerves in the area, providing pain relief for both surgery and the post-operative period. This reduces the unnecessary use of opioids such as methadone and morphine, which may prolong recovery, suppress breathing and delay return home.
Katara’s surgery was completed without complication, and the herniated disc material compressing her spinal cord was successfully removed. Postoperatively, her condition stabilized, her pain significantly eased, and she began rehabilitation therapy. Thanks to the exceptional post-operative care provided by the LAP team, Katara made a remarkably swift recovery. At her two-week follow-up, simply lifting her tail gently allowed her to demonstrate her recovering limb function, Katara began attempting to stand and walk, indicating gradual restoration of her neurological function
Despite the challenges, Katara remains resilient and determined to heal. She is still looking for a loving owner to explore the world with her and walk every step of the journey ahead. Please help share Katara’s journey of recovery and her path toward finding a loving forever home, let’s help her discover the happiness she truly deserves💛.
