Comparative Efficacy of Electro-Acupuncture, Lignocaine, and Their Combination for Digital Nerve Analgesia in Equines
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Abstract
Background: As Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) evolves, its application in equine lameness and pain diagnosis is gaining prominence. Accurate identification of pain sites is crucial for addressing equine leg issues, necessitating the use of local analgesics through digital nerve blocks (DNB). This study explores the efficacy of lignocaine and electro-acupuncture (EA), individually and combined, in providing analgesia following DNB in Equines with minimal complications.
Objective: The primary aim was to assess and compare the analgesic effects of lignocaine and electro-acupuncture, alone and in combination, following digital nerve blocks in Equines.
Methods: Twenty-four healthy adult donkeys were divided into four groups (n=6 each): Group A (control, receiving 0.9% NaCl), Group B (lignocaine 1.5 ml), Group C (EA alone), and Group D (0.75 ml lignocaine + EA). The degree of analgesia (DOA) was evaluated at intervals (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes) post-treatment.
Results: Lignocaine (Group B) showed a higher degree of analgesia at early intervals (0.67 ± 0.21 at 5 min, 0.83 ± 0.17 at 10 min, 1.67 ± 0.21 at 15 min, 2.50 ± 0.34 at 20 min, 2.7 ± 0.21 at 30 min, and 3.0 ± 0.00 at 45 min), significantly surpassing other groups. Group D, treated with lignocaine and EA, exhibited superior long-term analgesia (3.0 ± 0.0 at 60 and 90 min, 2.33 ± 0.21 at 120 min, and 0.83 ± 0.16 at 180 min), indicating sustained efficacy over time.
Conclusion: Combining lignocaine with electro-acupuncture enhances the quality and duration of analgesia following digital nerve blocks in Equines. This approach minimizes the need for higher drug dosages and reduces the risk of complications, suggesting a viable option for pain management in equine medicine.
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