The efficacy of transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks in reducing pain scores in dogs undergoing elective spay procedures

Vet Evid. 2025 Mar 18;10(1):vetevid-10-1-703. doi: 10.18849/ve.v10i1.703. eCollection 2025 Jan-Mar.

ABSTRACT

PICO QUESTION: In dogs undergoing an elective spay procedure (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy), does the use of a transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block compared to non-TAP reduce postoperative pain scores?

CATEGORY OF RESEARCH: Treatment.

NUMBER AND TYPE OF STUDY DESIGNS REVIEWED: Three studies were appraised, all of which were prospective, blinded, randomised, controlled trials.

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Moderate.

OUTCOMES REPORTED: The available studies deemed a reduction in postoperative pain scores as a marker of treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSION: There is moderate evidence to suggest that, when compared to a control group, the use of a TAP block reduces postoperative pain scores, in dogs undergoing elective spay procedures (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy). The need for postoperative analgesia was reduced when a TAP block had been administered prior to the spay procedure.

PMID:42005343 | PMC:PMC12710408 | DOI:10.18849/ve.v10i1.703