Randomized clinical trial comparing outcomes after fentanyl or ketamine-dexmedetomidine analgesia in thoracolumbar spinal surgery in dogs.

There was no evidence that, at the doses used, fentanyl impaired ambulatory outcome after surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. Pain control appeared similar between groups. Secondary outcomes suggested minor benefits associated with ketamine-dexmedetomidine. The ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination appears to be a reasonable alternative to peri-operative opioids.