![](https://www.fonthillanimalhospital.com/files/2011/05/LocalAnesthesia.jpg)
A local anesthetic causes a loss of sensation to a ‘local’ area. Small surgical or diagnostic procedures may require a local anesthetic to perform. A biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure where local anesthetic can be used to control pain. A biopsy involves surgical removal of a small portion of tissue. Commonly used local anaesthetics include lidocaine, bupicivane and alcaine.