
06/30/2025
💉 BVNS Journal Club
Topic: Improving Pain Management in Spinal Surgery
Led by: Dr. Martin Young, BVNS Short Pump
This week’s discussion focused on a promising technique to improve surgical outcomes and reduce pain in our patients.
🧪 By applying short- and long-acting bupivacaine to the muscle layer before retractor placement in thoracolumbar spinal surgery, we can:
1. Reduce the need for narcotics
2. Minimize side effects like regurgitation and dysphoria
3. Potentially shorten hospital stays
✨ Bonus: Adding dexmedetomidine may enhance pain relief even further.
✅ Action Item: We’re implementing this approach to provide safer, more effective analgesia for our patients.
🙌 We’re always learning, always improving—for the pets and families we serve.