Sedation and analgesia in the standing horse 2. Local anaesthesia and analgesia techniques
Authors: Michou Joanne, Leece Elizabeth
Journal: In Practice
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Local Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Standing Horses Local anaesthetic techniques represent a crucial complement to systemic sedation and analgesia when performing surgery and diagnostic procedures on conscious standing horses. Michou and Leece examine the practical application of local anaesthetic drug selection and administration routes, providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance on technique selection for different clinical scenarios. Strategic use of local blocks and infiltration techniques effectively prevents nociception, minimises unwanted movement during procedures, promotes even weight-bearing distribution, and extends pain relief into the postoperative period—outcomes that are particularly valuable in equine practice where general anaesthesia carries inherent risks. The specificity of regional anaesthesia allows practitioners to target pain at source whilst maintaining the horse's protective reflexes and cardiovascular stability, making this approach especially relevant for standing surgery and diagnostics in field or clinic settings. Understanding the pharmacology and anatomical considerations underpinning these techniques enables farriers, veterinarians, and other equine professionals to optimise patient comfort and procedural safety whilst reducing reliance on systemic drugs alone.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Local anaesthetic blocks are essential tools for standing procedures—they reduce the need for heavy sedation and allow horses to bear weight evenly during recovery
- •Combining local techniques with systemic analgesia and sedation provides superior pain control and reduces movement during surgical procedures
- •Understanding drug selection and proper local anaesthetic technique will improve safety and outcomes for standing procedures in your practice
Key Findings
- •Local anaesthetic techniques are effective adjuncts to sedation and systemic analgesia for standing horse procedures
- •Local anaesthesia prevents nociception, minimizes movement, and promotes even weight bearing during surgery
- •Local techniques provide postoperative analgesia and facilitate diagnostic procedures in conscious horses