[Observations on epidural anesthesia in cats from the anatomical viewpoint]

The topographic-anatomical situation of the conus medullaris and the cauda equina in cats is shown: in about two thirds of the cases the conus medullaris at least reaches the level of the first sacral vertebra. As far as the site of the epidural injection is concerned the sacrococcygeal space or the first intercoccygeal space are proposed in order to avoid damage to the spinal cord. When seeking the site of injection it is advantageous to orientate oneself by following the sacral processus spinosi in caudal direction beginning with the lumbosacral space. In case of adipose animals the first intercoccygeal space can be palpated by moving the tail up and down. Both sites are equivalent. The volume to be injected varies between 0.3 and 0.9 ml solution per cat depending on the needs.