See Chapter 8, Section 2 – Castration – for information on oral firocoxib and meloxicam in pet pigs.

Local Blocks and Epidurals

Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic used, but other local anesthetics such as bupivacaine could be used as well. The lumbosacral space is the most readily accessible site for an epidural. While lidocaine is the most common epidural anesthetic, other anesthetic drugs such as morphine and xylazine can be very practical. Morphine provides pain control without the loss of motor function. If morphine is used for an epidural, it must be a preservative free formulation, as many preservatives can cause inflammation.[3]  Adequate physical or chemical restraint should be in place prior to starting. The epidural site should then be blocked with 1-2ml of SQ lidocaine. Access to the epidural space is achieved using a 19 gauge 3.5” spinal needle, a larger gauge needle can be inserted through the skin first to serve as a guide and preserve the integrity of the spinal needle. Use standard methods of confirming proper placement in epidural space (hanging drop, bubble, etc.). 1ml/7kg BW of 2% lidocaine should be given.[4]