Abstract
Objective
To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound- and electrostimulation-guided nerve blocks
of the brachial plexus and to determine whether ultrasound guidance is feasible in
conscious dogs.
Study design
Blinded, crossover, experimental study.
Animals
Six clinically healthy adult Beagle dogs.
Methods
The nerves of the brachial plexus of the right thoracic limb were blocked under ultrasound
guidance (UNB) in conscious dogs and under electrostimulation guidance (ENB) in anesthetized
dogs with bupivacaine (0.4 mL kg–1, 0.25%). Saline (0.4 mL kg–1) was injected in control animals. Sensory nerve blockade was evaluated by scoring
cutaneous sensation in targeted nerves. Motor nerve blockade was evaluated based on
weight bearing, conscious proprioception and withdrawal reflex scores. Times to execute
the technique in UNB and ENB were compared using t tests (p < 0.05). Scores for sensory and motor nerve blockades in each treatment were compared
with scores before treatment and with control treatment scores using nonparametric
repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance. Time to onset and duration of sensory
nerve block were assessed using scores for four sensory nerve functions. A successful
sensory nerve block was defined by decreases in scores for these functions. Success
rates of nerve blocks were compared among treatments using McNemar’s test.
Results
In UNB and ENB, onset times of sensory nerve blocks were 1 hour and 1.5 hours, respectively.
Onset times of motor nerve blocks were 0.5 hour in both treatments. In UNB and ENB,
durations of sensory nerve block were 3 hours and 0.5 hour, respectively, and durations
of motor nerve block were 7.5 hours and 6.5 hours, respectively. Success rates did
not differ between the techniques.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
The UNB brachial plexus block had a shorter onset time and longer duration than ENB.
UNB can be performed in conscious dogs or those under mild sedation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 13, 2017
Accepted:
August 11,
2016
Received:
August 12,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
