A survey to evaluate the use of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in small animal practice

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current use, techniques, perceived effectiveness and contraindications of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in veterinary anaesthesia, and to explore how factors such as workplace, personal experience, and training may influence its application. STUDY DESIGN: Anonymous online voluntary survey. METHODS: An online survey, designed following CHERRIES guidelines, was distributed via several platforms relevant to the veterinary anaesthesia community between July and September 2024. RESULTS: The response rate was of 11.8% (235/2000), with a completion rate of 86.4%. Among respondents, 192 reported performing the ESPB in dogs, with 98 doing so several times per week. The most common indications were lumbar and thoracic hemilaminectomies and dorsal laminectomies, and three out of four respondents reported it to be almost always effective. The ESPB was mainly performed under general anaesthesia. A parasagittal approach was most used in the thoracic region, whereas both parasagittal and transverse approaches were commonly used in the lumbar region. The block was performed both unilaterally and bilaterally. Bupivacaine was the most used agent, typically at 2 mg/kg and 0.4 ml/kg. The block was generally considered safe. Skin infection and neoplasia at injection site were the most frequently reported contraindications. The most common reasons for not using the ESPB were unfamiliarity with the technique and with US-guided blocks in general. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ESPB appears to be a safe, effective and accessible technique for most veterinary anaesthetists in this survey. Its applications extend beyond surgical procedures involving the dorsolateral aspect of the trunk.