Risk of iatrogenic damage to the sciatic nerve in dairy cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Animal Welfare
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Sciatic nerve damage in cattle causes significant welfare and productivity issues.
• Previous literature lacks data on the prevalence of sciatic nerve damage from intramuscular injections.
• Intramuscular injections are common for cattle treatment, but anatomical risks are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the anatomical proximity of the sciatic nerve to common intramuscular injection sites in cattle.
• To evaluate the risk of iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in dairy cattle.
• To inform best practices for cattle intramuscular injections.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of four dairy cattle cadavers.
• 54 participants performed simulated intramuscular injections in the dorsal gluteal region.
• Needle tip proximity to the sciatic nerve was measured.
• A questionnaire assessed common injection practices.

Main Results:

• 69% of simulated injections were within 5 cm of the sciatic nerve.
• Direct sciatic nerve puncture occurred in a cadaver with poor body condition.
• 70% of participants frequently used the dorsal gluteal region for injections.
• 50% commonly injected ≥20 mL at a single site.

Conclusions:

• The sciatic nerve is at high risk of iatrogenic damage from gluteal intramuscular injections in cattle.
• The neck is recommended as the optimal injection site.
• Improved guidelines are needed for gluteal injections, with a recommended lateral site between the tuber coxae and tuber ischium.