Repeated ultrasound‐guided saphenous and sciatic nerve block in a calf with tibial comminuted fracture undergoing surgical stabilisation

Abstract

A 4‐day‐old, 32 kg, male wagyu calf presented with a comminuted diaphyseal fracture of the right tibia for surgical stabilisation. The calf was premedicated with butorphanol, anaesthesia induced with ketamine, the trachea was intubated and continuous mandatory ventilation was initiated during surgery. Maintenance was with isoflurane carried in oxygen and medical air mixture. Ultrasound‐guided blocks of the sciatic and saphenous nerves were performed with lidocaine 2% before and after surgery. Rescue analgesia was not required intra‐ or postoperatively, as heart and respiratory rate remained within the normal limits. Meloxicam was the only drug administered during the postoperative period. Two days after surgery, the ultrasound‐guided block was repeated under general anaesthesia to allow the removal of an intramedullary nail and fibreglass cast placement. This case report highlights the feasibility and repeatability of ultrasound‐guided blocks of the sciatic and saphenous nerve in a neonatal calf, avoiding side effects associated with systemic opioid administration.