Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Fontenot, Robin

Committee Member

Eddy, Alison

Committee Member

Mochal-King, Cathleen

Committee Member

O'Shea, Caitlin

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Veterinary & Biomedical Science (Veterinary Medical Research)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Veterinary Medicine

Department

Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine

Abstract

Liposomal bupivacaine (10 mL; 1.3%) was administered into the caudal epidural space via an indwelling epidural catheter. Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) testing with pressure algometry was used to measure analgesia at 4 anatomic locations for 72 hours following injection. Physical examinations were performed and ataxia scores recorded every 4 h to monitor for adverse effects, and fecal and urine output were recorded. There were no significant differences at any time point in rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, or MNT at any anatomic site compared to baseline. Ataxia scores were significantly elevated from 24 to 36 h following epidural injection. Adverse events included recumbency in 2 horses, urinary retention necessitating urinary catheter placement in 3 horses, and decreased fecal output requiring manual manure removal from the rectum in 6 horses. Liposomal bupivacaine administered as a caudal epidural in horses resulted in clinically relevant adverse effects without analgesia.

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