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Brachial plexus block using electrolocation for pancarpal arthrodesis in a dog
1Department for Clinical Studies, Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland. sandra.wenger@kkh.unibe.ch
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
|October 29, 2004
Summary
A brachial plexus block using lidocaine and bupivacaine provided effective analgesia for pancarpal arthrodesis surgery in a dog. This nerve block offered 7 hours of pain relief, demonstrating its efficacy as a sole anesthetic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anesthesiology
- Pain Management in Animals
Background:
- Pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs requires effective perioperative analgesia.
- Brachial plexus blockade is a regional anesthesia technique that can provide localized pain relief.
Observation:
- A nerve stimulator was used to locate the brachial plexus for conduction blockade in a canine patient.
- A low volume (0.26 mL kg(-1)) of a lidocaine/bupivacaine mixture was administered.
- The procedure was the sole analgesic treatment during surgery and for 3 hours post-operatively.
Findings:
- Successful brachial plexus blockade was achieved, indicated by stable cardiorespiratory parameters and low end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (1.3-1.4%).
- Adequate pain relief, assessed by pain scoring and neurological examination, lasted for approximately 7 hours.
- Electrolocation of the brachial plexus improved localization success rates, particularly for less experienced anesthetists.
Implications:
- This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a low-volume brachial plexus block with lidocaine/bupivacaine for pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs.
- Regional anesthesia techniques like brachial plexus blockade can reduce the need for general anesthesia and systemic opioids.
- Utilizing nerve stimulators for electrolocation enhances the reliability and success of brachial plexus blocks in veterinary practice.