Effects of Lidocaine Injection at Acupuncture Points on Perioperative Analgesia in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy

Lima CMS, Segatto CZ, Zanelli GR, Nicácio GM, Cassu RN · Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies · 2022 August 31

DOI 10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.255

Objective

To investigate the analgesic efficacy of lidocaine injection at the Stomach 36 and Spleen 6 acupoints in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Conclusions

The administration of lidocaine at the Stomach 36 and Spleen 6 acupuncture points did not provide significant perioperative analgesic benefits in healthy cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

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Insights

Injecting lidocaine into selected acupuncture points did not improve surgical pain control or reduce rescue analgesia needs in cats.

Cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomly assigned to receive either bilateral lidocaine injections at Stomach 36 and Spleen 6 acupuncture points or no such injections. All cats received standardized sedation and general anesthesia, with fentanyl provided during surgery when cardiovascular responses indicated pain. Postoperative pain and sedation were repeatedly assessed for one day after recovery, and morphine with meloxicam was available when rescue pain relief was needed. Cats given lidocaine at the acupuncture points showed no meaningful reduction in postoperative pain, sedation, or need for rescue analgesia compared with untreated cats. Although fewer treated cats appeared to require additional pain medication during surgery, this difference was not statistically meaningful, indicating that the intervention offered no clear perioperative analgesic advantage.