Transverse Abdominal Plane Block In A Llama Undergoing Midline Coeliotomy

A 3-year-old llama was presented for management of bilateral ureter obstruction. A general anaesthetic was performed to allow a midline coeliotomy to be undertaken. Due to current legislation, the provision of adequate analgesia can be challenging. The transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block is a locoregional technique that can be used to provide analgesia of the ventral abdominal wall in numerous species. The TAP block was performed in this case to provide intraoperative analgesia using mepivacaine. This is the first time this technique has been described in the llama. Based on intraoperative monitoring, the TAP block appears to provide analgesia intra-operatively. Due to the degree of damage to the ureters, the llama was euthanised under general anaesthesia, so an assessment of postoperative analgesia provided by the block could not be assessed.