Ultrasound-guided ventral approach to the brachial plexus block in barred owls (Strix varia): a cadaveric study

To develop an ultrasound (US)-guided ventral approach to the brachial plexus (BP) and evaluate nerve anatomy and staining in barred owl cadavers.

Prospective, cadaveric study.

Eleven adult male and female barred owl cadavers with a body mass of 0.43-0.98 kg.

Eleven frozen cadavers were thawed for 48 hours, weighed and assigned a body condition score. Ten cadavers were placed in dorsal recumbency with wings abducted. US-guided visualization of the BP was achieved by placing a 13-6 MHz linear probe over the ventral aspect of the scapulohumeral joint, parallel to the sternum. A 22 gauge, 50 mm insulated needle was advanced in-plane in a caudal-to-cranial direction. In each owl, injection targeting one BP was performed with 0.4 mL kg^-1 of a 1:1 0.5% ropivacaine and 1% methylene blue solution. Dissection was performed 15 minutes postinjection. Nerve staining was deemed successful if ≥ 1 cm of circumferential staining was achieved. The eleventh owl cadaver was injected with a 1:1 solution of 1% methylene blue and 74% ioversol contrast into both wings, and computed tomography (CT) was performed just before and 15 minutes after injection.

The BP was clearly identified ultrasonographically in cadavers weighing > 0.5 kg. An injectate volume of 0.4 mL kg^-1 provided complete staining of the BP branches in all cadavers. CT scan revealed no contrast within the coelomic cavity.

The US-guided BP injection using a ventral approach was easily performed in barred owl cadavers weighing > 0.5 kg. The injection of 0.4 mL kg^-1 of a ropivacaine-dye solution resulted in complete staining of the BP branches in all wings, suggesting that this technique could provide analgesia for structures distal to the scapulohumeral joint. Clinical studies are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this technique in barred owls and other bird species.