Time-dependent laryngeal desensitisation following topical lidocaine and prilocaine application in cats: a randomised controlled study.

Both topical prilocaine and lidocaine effectively reduce feline laryngeal reactivity, with prilocaine demonstrating earlier onset.

This prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled study compared the laryngeal desensitising effects of topical prilocaine (2 mg/kg) versus topical lidocaine (2 mg/kg) versus topical 0.9% sodium chloride (control) in 24 healthy adult cats anaesthetised with a standardised medetomidine-propofol protocol. Each local anaesthetic was prepared from a 2% stock solution, diluted to a final volume of 0.5 mL, and atomised onto the arytenoid cartilages and vocal folds. Laryngeal reactivity was assessed at multiple time points between 15 and 90 seconds post-application. Prilocaine demonstrated an earlier onset of laryngeal desensitisation (statistically significant reduction in reactivity from 15 to 45 seconds), while lidocaine showed a later onset (significant from 60 seconds onward). Between 60 and 90 seconds, both agents produced comparable and significantly lower reactivity scores than sodium chloride, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two local anaesthetics at any time point. All agents were well tolerated; no adverse events including hypersalivation, apnoea, desaturation, bradycardia, arrhythmia, or local irritation were recorded. Limitations include the small sample size (n=8/group), the absence of direct intubation success or quality as outcome measures, and restriction to a single anaesthetic protocol. These findings suggest both agents are effective and safe for reducing feline laryngeal reactivity, with prilocaine offering a potentially faster clinical onset, though intubation performance implications require further investigation.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.