The use of a lateral ultrasound‐guided proximal radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve block in a medium‐sized dog undergoing surgical repair of a humeral condylar fracture

Abstract

Novel ultrasound‐guided local‐anaesthetic blocks have become increasingly popular due to improved visualisation of anatomical structures, needle and probe handling, reduced risk of neuronal or vascular damage, increased patient safety and enhanced block efficacy. The proximal‐RUMM block, targeting the radial (R), ulnar (U), median (M) and musculocutaneous (M) nerves, is well established for small animal forelimb surgeries distal to the mid‐humerus and is an effective regional anaesthetic technique in dogs. The classic medial approach to the proximal‐RUMM block can be challenging due to small muscle mass, superficial nerve locations and risk of inadvertent intrathoracic or intravascular injections. Therefore, a lateral approach to the proximal‐RUMM block has been suggested to be beneficial in small patients and has been previously documented in a small dog undergoing elbow surgery. This case report documents the use of a lateral approach for ultrasound‐guided proximal‐RUMM block in a 14.5 kg dog undergoing humeral condyle fracture repair.