A novel extraoral ultrasound-guided approach for mandibular nerve block in Rahmani sheep
Mohamed Wefky El-Sherif1, Mohamed Ahmed Nazih2
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El Kharga, 72511, New Valley, Egypt. mohamed.abdelalim@vetnv.au.edu.eg.
Background:
Regional anesthesia is the favored choice in ruminant animals compared to general anesthesia, primarily due to its high safety margin and reduced demand for cost-intensive equipment in addition to its field applicability. Ultrasound-guided nerve block has gained significant attention in the field of veterinary medicine. This study utilized twenty-seven sheep of the native Rahmani breed to both demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of the ultrasound guided inferior alveolar nerve block technique.
Methods:
The research comprised three phases: Phase 1 involved an anatomical examination of mandibles and sheep heads to locate the mandibular foramen and delineate the mandibular nerve course. Phase 2 included ultrasound-guided injection of methylene blue dye at specific sites along the mandibular nerve in cadaveric sheep heads. In Phase 3, clinical implementation of ultrasound-guided inferior alveolar nerve blocks was conducted in 27 live sheep, assessing efficacy, onset, and duration.
Results:
Vertical extraoral ultrasound-guided nerve block was achieved successfully in 25 sheep (98%). A preliminary cadaveric study showed good distribution of the injectate at the mandibular nerve site. The mean onset time was 138 ± 18 s, and the mean duration time was 54 ± 4.1 min. Prominent analgesia of the ipsilateral mandible, medial surface of the cheek, and lateral border of the tongue was observed.
Conclusions:
Ultrasound-guided mandibular nerve block holds promise as a technique for providing effective and safe anesthesia in sheep undergoing mandibular procedures.
