🔍 Key Findings
- The addition of adrenaline (0.00198%) to bilateral maxillary nerve blocks significantly reduced intraoperative hemorrhage in dogs undergoing sharp staphylectomy (median reduction: 77.1%).
- Normalized hemorrhage (g/kg) and total hemorrhage (g) were significantly lower in the adrenaline group (p = .021 and p = .013, respectively).
- Surgeon-assessed hemorrhage scores were also significantly lower in the adrenaline group (median 2 vs. 3; p = .029), indicating improved surgical visibility.
- No adverse effects (e.g. tachycardia, arrhythmia, or hypertension) were observed with adrenaline administration.
- A standardized intraoral approach to the maxillary nerve block was used with 0.5 mL per side regardless of dog size.
- Breed effect observed: English Bulldogs had higher normalized hemorrhage, possibly due to anatomical variation or underdosing relative to size.
- Adrenaline may also prolong local anesthetic action and reduce blood aspiration risks, though this was not directly measured.
- The study supports the routine inclusion of adrenaline in maxillary nerve blocks for staphylectomy in BOAS patients to improve surgical field and reduce bleeding.
