Ultrasound-guided block of the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs: A descriptive study

Ultrasound and gross anatomy of the brachial plexus and major nerves of the forelimb. An anesthetic approach using the domestic rabbit (Oyctolagus cuniculus) as an experimental model1

“…The appearance os the major nerves was also similar to previous descriptions of peripheral nerves reported in cats 2,12 and dogs 5,13,14 .…”

Ultrasound-guided dorsal approach for femoral nerve blockade in cats: an imaging study

“…26 In humans and in dogs, the FN has been described as a hyperechogenic triangular structure when it is observed by US at the level of the femoral triangle. 11,27 In our study, the FN within the IPM was observed by US as a hypoechogenic oval structure surrounded by a hyperechogenic rim. These differences may be explained by the effect of the tissues covering the FN at different anatomical regions.…”

“…32 When the FN block was performed using an US-guided technique, a 50% failure rate was reported using a femoral triangle approach. 11 Contrarily, the same authors reported a success rate of 100% when a suprainguinal approach to this nerve was employed. 12 The low success rate of the FN block for the femoral triangle approach has been related to difficulties in visualising the FN by US owing to the great amount of connective tissue around the FN in this area and the reduced length of the FN and its branches at this level.…”

“…2,3,7,8 In recent years, a great interest in implementing US-guided techniques to block the main nerve supply of the pelvic limb in dogs has been observed. [9][10][11][12][13] The sciatic (ScN) and the femoral (FN) nerves are the main nerves supplying sensory function to the pelvic limb; thus, techniques producing a combined block of those nerves have been described as a valid alternative to epidural anaesthesia in dogs. 12,14 The perioperative analgesia provided by a combined ScN and FN block for surgical procedures involving the stifle and structures distal to it has been reported as adequate in the dog.…”

“…19,20 In previous studies, the accuracy of the neurolocation provided by electrolocation and US-guided techniques has been evaluated by observing the distribution of a staining solution along the target nerves. 11,12,17,[21][22][23] Computed tomography (CT) provides excellent anatomical visualisation and has been used to assess the efficacy of US needle placement 24 and to study the distribution of an injectate in PNBs. 25 The objective of this study was to develop a technique for an US-guided dorsal approach for the feline FN.…”