Neuroanesthesia and Pain Management in Small Animal Spinal Surgery

Background: One of the most important and challenging aspects of neuroanesthesia in veterinary medicine is the management of anesthesia and pain in animals undergoing spinal surgery. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, pharmacological options, and physiological monitoring approaches, many patients are still at risk of associated complications.
Objectives: This review outlines key considerations related to anesthesia and analgesia in animals undergoing spinal surgery.
Methods: A review of the literature on anesthesia and analgesia management in neurosurgical procedures.
Results: Neuroanesthesia in veterinary medicine—particularly in small animals—plays a vital role in ensuring safety, minimizing complications, and promoting successful postoperative functional outcomes. The main goals of anesthesia in this field include preserving neurological function, maintaining stable blood pressure, ensuring adequate oxygenation, and preventing secondary injuries. Key principles of effective anesthetic management include the appropriate selection of anesthetic and analgesic agents, a thorough understanding of the physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, awareness of drug effects on spinal cord blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and most importantly, achieving a balance between effective sedation and analgesia while preserving neurologic function and minimizing systemic side effects.
An effective approach in this field requires a multimodal anesthesia and analgesia plan tailored to each patient's condition. The use of advanced monitoring techniques and pain management strategies—including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and regional nerve blocks—are integral components of the multimodal approach.
Conclusions: Ultimately, successful management of anesthesia and pain in spinal surgeries relies on a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of the nervous system and continuous collaboration between the anesthesia, surgical, and postoperative care teams. This coordinated approach helps prevent the exacerbation of neurological dysfunction throughout all stages of treatment and facilitates the recovery process.