Comparison of Perioperative Analgesic Efficacy of Lidocaine Intratesticular Block and Spermatic Cord Instillation in Feline Castration.

Intratesticular block is an effective local anesthetic technique for castration; however, its use may be limited in cases of testicular masses or infections. Instillation is a simple technique used in several procedures, though studies investigating its application in feline castration remain scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the perioperative analgesic efficacy of lidocaine intratesticular block and spermatic cord instillation in feline castration. Forty-five male cats were randomly divided into three groups: the intratesticular block group (IT), the spermatic cord instillation group (S), and the control group (C). All cats were anesthetized using the same protocol and both techniques were performed based on group assignments. Lidocaine (2 mg/kg) was administrated according to the designated route, while 0.9% normal saline was used for the alternative route and in the C group. Intraoperative parameters were recorded, showing that noninvasive blood pressure in the IT and S groups was significantly lower than in the C group. Although both lidocaine intratesticular block and spermatic cord instillation effectively reduce surgical noxious stimulation, intratesticular block is recommended as it provides more stable intraoperative vital signs and less postoperative pain. Therefore, spermatic cord instillation can be considered as an optional technique for managing pain in feline castration.