This is the only class of drug that renders complete analgesia. The totality of evidence in humans and animal studies reveal the predictable analgesic and anesthetic drug-sparing effects of LAs. In addition, LAs are reported to be antimicrobial, immunomodulating, and can diminish postoperative maladaptive pain states. They do not appear to delay tissue healing.³⁵ LAs can be administered either directly at a simple incision site or at a specific nerve to provide analgesia to a large region (or area). A discussion of the many locoregional blocks that can be utilized in dogs and cats is beyond the scope of these guidelines but can be found in several readily accessible resources, and most of those blocks can be readily learned by clinicians. LAs are considered safe, with AEs generally limited to very high doses or inadvertent IV administration (bupivacaine especially). The Task Force supports the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management position that, because of their safety and significant benefit, LAs should be utilized, insofar as possible, with every surgical procedure.