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This clinical review summarises the pharmacological and anaesthetic properties of alfaxalone in the dog. Available pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic data and factors affecting the induction dose have been reported. Furthermore, quality of induction and recovery after alfaxalone administration, the use of alfaxalone for total intravenous anaesthesia, and its effects on the cardio‐respiratory system, on laryngeal motion, on intraocular pressure and tear production have been evaluated. Finally, the use of alfaxalone in dogs undergoing caesarean section and the effect of intramuscular alfaxalone administration have been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of 5% lidocaine patches on postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. Materials and Methods: Client‐owned dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for a single acute intervertebral thoracolumbar disc extrusion were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, blinded clinical trial. Following methadone administration, anaesthesia was induced with propofol, and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and fentanyl infusion, in both groups. After skin closure, two 1∙5 cm wide 5% lidocaine patch strips were attached along both sides of the wound in dogs allocated to Group L. In Group C, the two lidocaine patch strips were applied but the transparent isolating liner was not removed. Postoperatively, all dogs received a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, gabapentin and diazepam. Methadone was administered according to the short form of Glasgow Composite Pain Scale with pain assessed every 2 hours for 48 hours by observers unaware of the treatment. Results: Thirty‐nine dogs completed the study. Demographic data, end‐expiratory fraction of isoflurane, fentanyl consumption, anaesthesia and surgical times were similar between groups. The number of dogs requiring postoperative methadone and the number of doses of methadone administered were not different between groups. No macroscopic skin reaction was noticed once the patches were removed. Clinical Significance: In this setting, 5% lidocaine patches did not provide additional postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]