Page 204 - BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice

2 | Major local anaesthetic blocks

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Radial
Ulnar nerve
nerve
Median
nerve
Musculo-
cutaneous
nerve

Anatomical landmarks for performing radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve blocks in dogs.

• Identify the artery with palpation, and • he femoral nerve can be blocked
aspirate the syringe before depositing inguinally, following sterile skin
local anaesthetic avoiding intra arterial, preparation, at the femoral triangle and
intravenous, and intraneural in ection. electrolocation may be utili ed to
ensure proximity to the nerve.
Femoral/sciatic nerve ■ It is increasingly common to use ultrasound
guidance electrolocation to ensure
blocks ade uate proximity to the target nerve.

■ Anaesthesia of the hindlimb can be
achieved by blocking the lumbosacral Epidural anaesthesia and
plexus L4 S , which gives rise to the analgesia
femoral and sciatic nerves plus the lateral
femoral cutaneous nerve, obturator and the ■ he in ection site is usually at the
caudal cutaneous femoral nerves. lumbosacral space in dogs, cats and rabbits
■ Perhaps the most useful blockade suitable with the animal positioned in sternal
for sti e surgery is the femoral sciatic recumbency with the limbs drawn forwards.
block. It is possible to palpate the space as a
• he proximal sciatic block is approached depression immediately caudal to the
approximately two thirds of the distance dorsal spinous process of L7 and
between the greater trochanter and the immediately cranial to the fused dorsal
ischiatic tuberosity with the needle spinous processes of the sacrum.
advanced perpendicular to the skin • he area should be aseptically prepared,
following surgical preparation. the operator gloved and the site draped.
Electrolocation techni ues are • Using a sterile disposable . 7. cm,
commonly utili ed to ensure correct spinal needle position the
depth of needle insertion. spinal needle over the midline.

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