Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
A Modified Method for Intrathecal Catheterization in Rats
Published on: February 14, 2025
Thoracic epidural catheter placement using a paramedian approach with cephalad angulation in three dogs
Paolo Franci1, Elizabeth A Leece, Federico Corletto
1Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Università degli Studi di Padova - Padua Italy. paolo.franci@unipd.it
Objective:
To describe a technique for insertion of a thoracic epidural catheter.
Study Design:
Clinical report.
Animals:
Dogs (n = 3) undergoing thoracic wall resection and thoracotomy.
Methods:
A paramedian approach with cephalic angulation was used to place a 24-g epidural catheter in 3 dogs. Dogs 1 and 2 had left caudal thoracic wall resection and dog 3 had left thoracotomy. In dog 1, the epidural catheter was inserted at L2-L3 intervertebral space and the tip of the catheter advanced to the level of T13 vertebral body. In dog 2, the epidural catheter was inserted at T12-T13 intervertebral space and the tip of the catheter was advanced to the level of T8 vertebral body. In dog 3, the epidural catheter was inserted at T13-L1 intervertebral space and its tip advanced until reaching the vertebral body of T10. All dogs were administered a combination of bupivacaine and morphine through the epidural catheter to provide intra- and postoperative analgesia.
Results:
The peridural space was identified and the tip of the catheter was positioned where intended in all dogs. Dog 1 developed transient Horner's syndrome and dog 3 required intraoperative fentanyl during the first part of the procedure.
Conclusion:
Paramedian approach with cephalad angulation is a suitable technique to place thoracic epidural catheters in dogs.
