Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs.


METHODS
Prospective experimental trial.


METHODS
Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg.


METHODS
Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles.


RESULTS
For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.
Mahler
Stephan P
SP
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences/Small Animal Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, The West Indies. stephan_mahler@hotmail.com
Adogwa
Andrew O
AO
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D007267:Injections / Q000662:veterinary; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology
D000779:Anesthetics, Local