A Novel Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Plexus Block: A Cadaveric Canine Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesia
• Canine Anatomy

Background:

• The ultrasound-guided cervical plexus plane (US-CPP) block is effective in humans but not yet studied in dogs.
• Developing regional anesthesia techniques is crucial for canine pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel ultrasound-guided cervical plexus plane (US-CPP) block technique in canines.
• To evaluate the injectate spread and nerve staining patterns following US-CPP injection in canine cadavers.

Main Methods:

• Sonoanatomy mapping and injection technique development in canine cadavers.
• Bilateral US-CPP injections using a dye-contrast solution (0.15 mL/kg).
• Evaluation of injectate spread via CT scans and gross anatomical dissection (GAD).

Main Results:

• Contrast reached C1, C2, and C3 vertebral bodies in 3/12, 11/12, and 12/12 injections, respectively.
• C2 and C3 nerves were stained in 10/12 and 8/12 injections, respectively.
• Injectate rarely reached C4 and C5 vertebrae, and no contrast entered the epidural space.

Conclusions:

• A single US-CPP injection can effectively stain the C2 and C3 nerves in dogs.
• The technique shows potential for clinical application in canine pain management.
• Further studies may be needed to optimize injectate spread to more cranial nerves.