Evaluation of the usage of incisional liposomal bupivacaine as a local anaesthetic for dogs undergoing limb amputation

BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine lioposomal suspension has recently emerged in the veterinary field for local analgesia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the extra‐label administration of bupivacaine liposomal suspension at the incision site of dogs undergoing limb amputation and characterize any complications. STUDY DESIGN: Nonblinded retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client‐owned dogs undergoing limb amputation from 2016 to 2020. METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing limb amputation with concurrent use of long‐acting liposomal bupivacaine suspension were reviewed for incisional complications, adverse effects, hospitalization length, and time to alimentation. Data were compared to a control group (CG) of dogs who underwent a limb amputation procedure without concurrent use of liposomal bupivacaine suspension. RESULTS: Forty‐six dogs were included in the liposomal bupivacaine group (LBG) and 44 cases in the CG. The CG had 15 incidences of incisional complications (34%) compared to 6 within the LBG (13%). Four dogs required revisional surgery in the CG (9%) whereas none of the dogs required revisional surgery in the LBG. Time from surgery to discharge was statistically higher in the CG compared to the LBG (p = 0.025). First time to alimentation was statistically higher in the CG (p value = 0.0002). The total number of rechecks needed postoperatively revealed the CG having a statistically significant increase in recheck evaluations (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extra‐label administration of liposomal bupivacaine suspension was well‐tolerated in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Liposomal bupivacaine usage did not increase incisional complication rates and its use allowed for a quicker time to discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons should consider inclusion of extra‐label administration of liposomal bupivacaine in analgesic regimens for dogs undergoing limb amputation.