Nerve Blocks in Veterinary Medicine

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Questions and Answers

A nerve block involves temporary blocking of pathways for the passage of impulses by injecting a local __________.

anaesthetic

The radial nerve is the largest nerve of the __________ plexus.

brachial

Indications for a radial nerve block include reductions of __________ and surgery of the area.

fractures

The median nerve supplies the flexor carpi __________, superficial digital flexor, and deep digital flexor muscles.

radialis Signup and view all the answers

The ulnar nerve lies relatively superficial between the flexor carpi ulnaris and __________ lateralis muscle.

ulnaris Signup and view all the answers

The volar or metacarpal nerves are terminal branches of the __________ nerve.

median Signup and view all the answers

The peroneal nerve supplies innervation to tibialis anterior, as well as __________ and lateral digital extensors.

medial Signup and view all the answers

For cattle, the peroneal nerve is blocked immediately behind the posterior edge of the lateral __________ of the tibia.

condyle Signup and view all the answers

The tibial nerve supplies innervation to the ______, superficial and deep digital flexors.

gastrocnemius Signup and view all the answers

For tibial nerve block in horses, the needle is inserted about 10 cm above the ______.

hock Signup and view all the answers

Pudic nerve block is primarily indicated for surgical interference with the ______ and prepuce.

penis Signup and view all the answers

The ischiorectal fossa lies between the anal orifice and the ischial ______.

tuberosity Signup and view all the answers

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is primarily produced by the ______ plexi within the ventricular system.

choroid Signup and view all the answers

For liver biopsy in cattle, the usual site is the 12th ______ space on the right.

intercostal Signup and view all the answers

The gall bladder in cattle projects beyond the right border of the liver in the ______ part of the intercostal space.

ventral Signup and view all the answers

The artery for pudic nerve block is generally one inch below the ______.

nerve Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks temporarily interrupt nerve impulses.
Local anesthetic solutions are injected to desensitize and temporarily paralyze the region controlled by the nerve.
Indications include pain relief and improving animal function.
Chronic conditions like splints, ringbone, navicular disease, and laminitis in horses are treated with nerve blocks.

Radial Nerve Block

The radial nerve is the largest branch of the brachial plexus.
Indications include fracture reduction, elbow joint dislocation, and surgical procedures.
The site of the block is along the musculospiral groove of the humerus, between the triceps muscle heads.

Median Nerve Block

The median nerve runs below the elbow, then down the forearm between the radius and flexor carpi radialis muscle.
It supplies muscles involved in pronation and digital flexion.
The block site is below the medial tuberosity of the radius, in the groove between the radius and flexor carpi radialis.

Ulnar Nerve Block and Neurectomy

The ulnar nerve is relatively superficial in the lower third of the forearm.
It lies between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the ulnaris lateralis muscle.
It provides sensation and motor function to muscles related to the wrist and fingers.
The block site is a few inches above the accessory carpal.

Volar Nerve Block and Neurectomy

The volar/metacarpal nerves are branches of the median nerve.
High volar block involves injecting 5-7 cm above the fetlock joint, in the depression between the suspensory ligament and deep flexor tendon.
Low volar block is performed midway between the fetlock and coronet, between the deep and superficial digital flexors.

Peroneal Nerve Block

The peroneal nerve innervates the tibialis anterior, long and lateral digital extensors, and peroneus muscles.
Its block desensitizes the anterolateral part of the leg and foot, and the anteromedial part of the fetlock joint.
Indications include lameness diagnosis.
The site of the peroneal nerve block in cattle is immediately behind the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Tibial Nerve Block

The tibial nerve innervates the gastrocnemius, superficial and deep digital flexors, popliteus, and tibialis posteromedial and posterolateral muscles of the pes.
Indications include lameness diagnosis and tibial neurectomy.
The block site in horses is approximately 10 cm above the hock, between the tendo-achilles and digital extensor muscles, on the medial aspect of the limb.

Pudic Nerve Block

The pudic nerve branches from the sacral spinal nerves.
It is crucial for procedures involving the penis and prepuce.
The internal pudic artery is palpated rectally to locate the nerve.
The nerve is situated just cranial to the lesser sciatic foramen.
The block site is within the ischiorectal fossa (between the anal orifice and ischial tuberosities).

Site for Collection of Bone Marrow

Indications for bone marrow collection include disease investigation.
Collection sites vary by species:
- Cattle, horses, sheep, goats: ribs and tuber coxae
- Dogs, cats, pigs: iliac crest and proximal femur

Site for Collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a plasma filtrate, surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
CSF collection in horses involves puncturing the cisterna magna (suboccipital site).
In cattle, sheep, and goats, a lumbar puncture is used.

Liver Biopsy

The usual liver biopsy site in most animals is the 12th intercostal space on the right.
This area is along a line running from the tuber coxae to the point of the shoulder.
In cattle, the biopsy area is at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the 10th or 11th intercostal space on the right side.

Gall Bladder Biopsy

The gall bladder biopsy site is often at the ventral aspect of the 11th intercostal space on the right.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of nerve blocks used in veterinary medicine, including types like radial and median nerve blocks. You'll learn about their indications, procedures, and specific applications for treating chronic conditions in horses. Test your knowledge and understanding of these essential techniques.