Description and Evaluation of Dye and Contrast Media Distribution of Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Sheath Block in Cat Cadavers.

The rectus sheath block is an ultrasound-guided anaesthetic technique which aims to provide analgesia to the abdominal midline. This study aimed to assess the distribution of 0.4 mL kg-1 of a mixture of methylene blue and iopromide injected into each hemiabdomen in the internal rectus sheath in cat cadavers. We hypothesise that this technique would be feasible and would cover the rami ventrales of the last thoracic and the first lumbar spinal nerves. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 aimed to study the anatomical structures of the ventral abdominal wall (four cats were dissected). Phase 2 (ten cadavers) consisted of an ultrasound-guided injection of the mixture mentioned above and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection. The results showed the staining of the cranioventral abdominal wall with a craniocaudal spread of four (three to eight) vertebral bodies. Methylene blue stained three (one to four) rami ventrales, affecting T10 (60%), T11 (100%), T12 (90%), T13 (50%) and L1 (5%). Based on these results, it could be stated that this technique could supply anaesthesia to the midline of the abdominal midline cranial to the umbilicus in clinical patients, but it may not be able to provide anaesthesia to the middle and caudal midline abdominal region.

The Evolution of Physical Performance throughout an Entire Season in Female Football Players.

Research on the evolution of performance throughout a season in team sports is scarce and mainly focused on men's teams. Our aim in this study was to examine the seasonal variations in relevant indices of physical performance in female football players. Twenty-seven female football players were assessed at week 2 of the season (preseason, PS), week 7 (end of preseason, EP), week 24 (half-season, HS), and week 38 (end of season, ES). Similar to the most common used conditioning tests in football, testing sessions consisted of (1) vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); (2) 20 m running sprint (T20); (3) 25 m side-step cutting maneuver test (V-CUT); and (4) progressive loading test in the full-squat exercise (V1-LOAD). Participants followed their normal football training procedure, which consisted of three weekly training sessions and an official match, without any type of intervention. No significant time effects were observed for CMJ height (p = 0.29) and T20 (p = 0.11) throughout the season. However, significant time effects were found for V-CUT (p = 0.004) and V1-LOAD (p = 0.001). V-CUT performance significantly improved from HS to ES (p = 0.001). Significant increases were observed for V1-LOAD throughout the season: PS-HS (p = 0.009); PS-ES (p < 0.001); EP-ES (p < 0.001); and HS-ES (p = 0.009). These findings suggest that, over the course of the season, female football players experience an enhancement in muscle strength and change of direction ability. However, no discernible improvements were noted in sprinting and jumping capabilities during the same period.

Modified Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block in Cat Cadavers.

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an ultrasound-guided locoregional anesthesia technique which aims to provide analgesia to the abdomen. The main objective of this study was to assess a modified ultrasound-guided dorsal QL block in cat cadavers. For this purpose, a volume of 0.4 mL kg-1 of a mixture of iopromide and methylene blue was administered between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body (VB) of the first lumbar vertebra, and its distribution was assessed in thirteen cat cadavers. We hypothesized that this injection point would be feasible, offering a more cranial distribution of the injectate and a more consistent staining of the truncus sympathicus. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an anatomical study (three cadavers were dissected). Phase 2 consisted of the ultrasound-guided administration of the injectate and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection. The results showed a consistent distribution of contrast media within five (4-8) VBs from T10 to L5. Methylene blue stained three (2-6) rami ventrales, affecting T11 (10%), T12 (20%), T13 (60%), L1 (85%), L2 (95%) and L3 (65%). The truncus sympathicus was dyed in all cadavers with a spread of five (3-7) VBs. Finally, the splanchnicus major nerve was stained in all cadavers (100%). These results suggest that this technique could provide analgesia to the abdominal viscera and the abdominal wall, probably with the exception of the cranial aspects of the abdominal wall.

An Ultrasound-Guided Latero-Ventral Approach to Perform the Quadratus Lumborum Block in Dog Cadavers.

The QL block is a high-level locoregional anesthesia technique, which aims to provide analgesia to the abdomen. Several approaches of the QL block have been studied to find out which one allows a greater distribution of the injectate. The aim of this study is to compare the traditional interfascial QL block (IQL) with a new latero-ventral approach (LVQL). We hypothesize that this new approach could be safer and easier to perform, since the injectate is administered more superficially and further away from vital structures. Our second objective is to assess whether a higher volume of injectate (0.6 mL/kg) could reach the ventral branches of the last thoracic nerves, leading to a blockade of the cranial abdomen. Six thawed canine cadavers (12 hemiabdomens) were used for this purpose. Both approaches were performed in all cadavers. A combination of methylene blue/iopromide was administered to each hemiabdomen, randomly assigned to the LVQL or IQL. No differences were found regarding the ease of perform the LVQL with respect to IQL. The results show that both techniques reached the ventral branches from L1 to L3, although only the IQL consistently stained the sympathetic trunk (5/6 IQL vs. 1/6 LVQL). The use of a higher volume did not enhance a more cranial distribution of the injectate.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the renal size using a kidney length to vertebral body length ratio in cats.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the renal size can provide useful clinical information, in combination with other ultrasonographic parameters. The aims of this study were to establish the agreement between the ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of the kidneys (K) and vertebral bodies (L5 and L6), to establish an ultrasonographic measurement of kidney-to-vertebral body (L5 and L6) ratio to estimate the renal size in cats, and to assess the impact of age, body weight, sex, and gonadal status on the ultrasonographic measurements of the kidneys, vertebral bodies, and ratios. The vertebral bodies of L5 and L6 were chosen as they were easy to identify with ultrasonography (US) using the lumbosacral junction as a landmark, and they are not usually affected by vertebral anomalies. A total of 60 cats (19 intact males, 12 neutered males, 17 intact females, and 12 neutered females) were included in the study. The cats were divided into three age groups (<7 months, 7 months-7 years, and >7 years), two body weight categories (≤ 3.5 kg and >3.5 kg), and two sex and gonadal status groups (male and female, and intact and neutered, respectively). Measurements of the renal and vertebral body length were performed on the radiographic and ultrasonographic images. Two different ratios were obtained, namely, K/L5 and K/L6. There was no significant difference between the length of both kidneys and the length of the vertebral bodies of L5 and L6 on ultrasonographic or radiographic images. There was a good agreement between ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of both kidneys and vertebral bodies. In conclusion, the kidney length to L6 length ratio obtained was 1.81 ± 0.20 (1.76-1.86), which was useful for evaluating the size of the feline kidney and was not influenced by the age, body weight, sex, or gonadal status.

Evaluation of High-Volume Injections Using a Modified Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block Approach in Canine Cadavers.

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block targets the fascial plane surrounding the QL muscle providing abdominal somatic and visceral analgesia. The extension of its analgesic effects is a subject of research, as it could not cover areas of the cranial abdomen in dogs. This study assesses in eight thawed canine cadavers, the distribution of high-volume injections (0.6 mL kg-1 of a mixture of methylene blue and iopromide) injected between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body of L1. Anatomical features of the area of interest were studied in two cadavers. In another six dogs, QL blocks were performed bilaterally under ultrasound-guidance. The distribution of contrast was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Hypaxial abdominal muscles were dissected to visualize the dye spread (spinal nerves and sympathetic trunk) in 5 cadavers. The remaining cadaver was refrozen and cross-sectioned. CT studies showed a maximum distribution of contrast from T10 to L7. The methylene blue stained T13 (10%), L1 (100%), L2 (100%), L3 (100%), L4 (60%) and the sympathetic trunk T10 (10%), T11 (20%), T12 (30%), T13 (70%), L1 (80%), L2 (80%), L3 (60%) and L4 (30%). These findings may suggest that despite the high volume of injectate administered, this modified QL block could not produce somatic analgesia of the cranial abdomen, although it could provide visceral analgesia in dogs.

Short-Term Effects of Deliberate Subparaneural or Subepineural Injections With Saline Solution or Bupivacaine 0.75% in the Sciatic Nerve of Rabbits.

Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided techniques for peripheral nerve blockade have revealed that intraneural injections are relatively frequent and not necessarily associated with neurological deficits. Objectives: To evaluate the short-term effects of deliberate injections performed under direct vision in two different sites of the sciatic nerve (ScN). Material and Methods: Seventy-two New Zealand white rabbits randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups (n = 18) were employed. All procedures were conducted at a proximal femoral level where the ScN incorporates the common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve (TN). Fixed volumes of 0.5 ml of saline solution (ES group) or bupivacaine 0.75% (EB group) were administered extrafascicularly inside the paraneurium of the ScN or intrafascicularly (IS and IB groups) under the epineurium of the TN. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and relative echogenicity (RE) of the entire ScN were determined by US before injections, after injections, and at 3 and 7 days. ScN samples were obtained for structural and ultrastructural histopathological studies. Proprioceptive, sensorial, and motor function were clinically evaluated on a daily basis. Results: The CSA of the ScN increased significantly immediately after injections when compared with pre-injection values in all groups (p < 0.05). The RE of the ScN decreased in relation to pre-injection values in all groups (p < 0.05). The CSA and RE of the ScN returned to normal values 7 days after injections in almost all groups. Injected nerves showed histological signs of mild perineural inflammation. Histopathological scores were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). The architecture of the ScN was preserved in all rabbits at 3 days and in 31/32 rabbits at 7 days. A focal area of damaged nerve fibers with degeneration of the axons and myelin sheath affecting the TN was observed in one rabbit of the IB group. Nerve function was not clinically impaired in any case. Conclusion: Despite the lack of severe nerve disruption observed in most rabbits, the evidence of a focal area of damaged nerve fibers in one rabbit injected intrafascicularly with bupivacaine confirms that intrafascicular injections should be avoided as they may increase the risk of nerve damage.

Identification of the sacrococcygeal epidural space using the nerve stimulation test or the running-drip method in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the nerve stimulation test (group NS) with the running-drip method (group RUN) for successful identification of the sacrococcygeal (SCo) epidural space prior to drug administration in dogs. ANIMALS: A total of 62 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical study. METHODS: Dogs requiring an epidural anaesthetic as part of the multimodal anaesthetic plan were randomly allocated to one of the two study groups. In group NS, the epidural space was located using an insulated needle connected to a nerve stimulator; in group RUN, the epidural space was identified using a Tuohy needle connected to a fluid bag elevated 60 cm above the spine via an administration set. The success of the technique was assessed 5 minutes after epidural injection by the disappearance of the patella reflex. Data were checked for normality, nonparametric data was analysed using a Mann-Whitney U test and success rate was analysed using a Fisher's exact test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, and the results are presented in absolute values, percentage (95% confident interval) and median (range). RESULTS: The success in identification of the epidural space did not differ between groups NS and RUN [87.1% (70.2%-96.4%) versus 90.3% (74.2%-98%); p = 1.000]. The time required for identification of the epidural space was shorter in group RUN [26 (15-53) seconds] than in group NS [40 (19-137) seconds] (p = 0.0225). No other differences were found in any studied variables. CONCLUSION: and clinical relevance In this study, both RUN and NS techniques were successful in identifying the epidural space at the SCo intervertebral space. RUN requires no specialised equipment, can be performed rapidly and offers an alternative to the NS for use in general veterinary practice.

Pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of alfaxalone with or without dexmedetomidine in rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the specific pharmacokinetic profile and effects of alfaxalone after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration to rabbits and evaluate the potential interaction with dexmedetomidine. The study design was a blinded, randomized crossover with a washout period of 2 weeks. Five New Zealand white rabbits were used. Each animal received single IV and IM injections of alfaxalone at a single dose of 5 mg/kg, and single IV and IM injections of alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) combined with dexmedetomidine (100 µg/kg) administered intramuscularly. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma concentration-time curves were analysed by non-compartmental analysis. Sedation/anaesthesia scores were evaluated by a modified numerical rating scale. At pre-determined time points heart and respiratory rates were measured. Times to sternal recumbency and standing position during the recovery were recorded. Concentrations of alfaxalone alone were very similar (slighty smaller) to concentrations when alfaxalone was combined with dexmedetomidine, after both routes of administration. Dexmedetomidine enhanced and increase the duration of the sedative effects of alfaxalone. In conclusion, alfaxalone administered in rabbits provides rapid and smooth onset of sedation. After IV and IM injections of alfaxalone combined with dexmedetomidine, a longer MRT and a deeper and extended sedation have been obtained compared to alfaxalone alone. Consequently, alfaxalone alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine could be useful to achieve respectively moderate to deep sedation in rabbits.

Influencia de la actividad física sobre la salud y la calidad de vida en personas con deficiencia sensorial visual / Influence of physical activity on health and quality of life in people with visual sensory deficiency / Influência da atividade física na saúde e qualidade de vida em pessoas com deficiência visual sensorial

Hasta el momento existen muy pocos estudios científicos que analicen el efecto de la actividad física sobre los parámetros fisiológicos y psicológicos en personas con deficiencias sensorial visual y ciegas. Estas personas suponen un grupo poblacional particularmente descuidado y muy poco se sabe sobre cómo la actividad física puede influir en su calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y el envejecimiento saludable. El propósito de este trabajo ha sido realizar una revisión sobre los estudios que analizan la actividad física realizada por las personas con deficiencia sensorial visual y la influencia que ésta tiene sobre la salud incluyendo los factores de riesgo a los que estas personas se exponen debido al sedentarismo

Currently very low amount of scientific studies analyse the effect of physical activity on physiological and psychological parameters on people suffering visual sensorial deficiencies and blind. These persons form a particular neglected population and the information about how physical activity affects their quality of life related to health and healthy aging is very poor. The objective of this work had been to review the studies that analyse the effect of the physical activity on visual sensorial deficiencies people and the influence of this activity on health including those risk factors influencing health due to sedentarism

Atualmente, existem muito poucos estudos científicos que analisam os efeitos da atividade física sobre parâmetros fisiológicos e psicológicos em pessoas com deficiências visuais e cegas. Essas pessoas representam um grupo particularmente negligenciado e as informações sobre como a atividade física afeta sua qualidade de vida relacionada a sáude e ao envelhecimento saudável são muito precárias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar os estudos que analisam a atividade física realizada por pessoas com deficiências sensoriais visuais e a influência na saúde, incluindo os fatores de risco que influenciam a saúde devido ao sedentarismo

Effects of midazolam before or after alfaxalone for co-induction of anaesthesia in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of alternating the order of midazolam and alfaxalone administration on the incidence of behavioural changes, alfaxalone induction dose and some cardiorespiratory variables in healthy dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 33 client-owned dogs undergoing elective procedures. METHODS: Following intramuscular acepromazine (0.02 mg kg-1) and morphine (0.4 mg kg-1) premedication, anaesthesia was induced intravenously (IV) with a co-induction of either midazolam (0.25 mg kg-1) prior to alfaxalone (0.5 mg kg-1; group MA), or alfaxalone followed by midazolam at identical doses (group AM). The control group (CA) was administered normal saline IV prior to alfaxalone administration. Additional alfaxalone (0.25 mg kg-1 increments) was administered as required in all groups until orotracheal intubation was possible. Changes in behaviour, quality of induction, ease of intubation and incidence of adverse events at induction were recorded. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR) and systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) were measured before treatments (baseline values), 30 minutes after premedication and at 0, 2, 5 and 10 minutes postintubation. RESULTS: The incidence of excitement was higher in group MA compared with groups CA (p=0.005) and AM (p=0.013). The mean induction dose of alfaxalone was lower in group AM compared with group CA (p=0.003). Quality of induction and ease of intubation were similar among groups. Mean HR values decreased after premedication and increased after alfaxalone administration in all groups. Mean SAP values were similar between groups. The number of animals that required manual ventilation was higher in the MA group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite a lower occurrence of adverse events at induction in group AM compared with group MA and a reduction of alfaxalone dose requirement in group AM compared with group CA, the use of an alfaxalone-midazolam co-induction does not seem to produce any cardiovascular or respiratory benefits in healthy dogs.

BENIGN IDIOPATHIC ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE IN A LION ( PANTHERA LEO): DILATION BY AN ACHALASIA BALLOON.

A 1-yr old female lion ( Panthera leo) was referred with a 10-mo history of dysphagia for solid food (meat), episodic regurgitation, and poor weight gain. Esophagoscopy confirmed an esophagitis (midesophagus) and a stricture estimated to be of 13 mm diameter. This was subsequently dilated using a 20-mm-diameter balloon for 2 min followed by a 35-mm achalasia balloon for 3 min. The etiology remains undetermined in spite of a thorough history. The animal progressed satisfactorily, reaching 124 kg after 1 yr and has had no further signs. To the authors' knowledge, neither idiopathic esophageal stricture nor dilation using an achalasia balloon has been reported in Panthera spp.

Assessment of the potential efficacy of blind perineural injection techniques for blockade of the saphenous, obturator, and lateral cutaneous femoral nerves in dog cadavers.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential efficacy of blind perineural injection techniques to provide nerve blockade of the saphenous, obturator, and lateral cutaneous femoral nerves by assessing the distribution along those nerves of 3 volumes of an injected staining solution in dog cadavers. ANIMALS 18 canine cadavers. PROCEDURES The anatomic characteristics of the target nerves were evaluated by dissection in 3 cadavers. The saphenous nerve was located by the use of superficial anatomic landmarks and a loss-of-resistance test. The obturator and lateral cutaneous femoral nerves were located by the use of superficial anatomic landmarks. Following perineural administration of 3 volumes (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL/kg) of staining solution near the target nerves in 15 cadavers, the distribution of the staining solution along the nerves was evaluated. Staining that extended ≥ 2 cm along the target nerves was considered to be compatible with an effective clinical nerve block. RESULTS In all cadavers, nerves were appropriately stained by the blind techniques used here. The staining distribution along the nerves was considered to be optimal after perineural injection of 0.2 mL of staining solution/kg in the obturator and lateral cutaneous femoral nerves and 0.3 mL of staining solution/kg in the saphenous nerve. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the evaluated blind perineural injection techniques may be an inexpensive, safe, and clinically effective method to block the saphenous, obturator, and lateral cutaneous femoral nerves in dogs.

Evaluation of an ultrasound-guided technique for axillary brachial plexus blockade in cats.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and refine an ultrasound (US)-guided technique to block the brachial plexus (BP) at the level of the axillary space in live cats. Methods Eight adult experimental cats were enrolled into the study. The animals were sedated and positioned in dorsal recumbency with the limb to be blocked abducted 90º. The US transducer was placed in the axillary region and a non-traumatic peripheral nerve block needle was inserted in-plane with respect to the transducer, medial to the BP up to the level of the axillary artery. Lidocaine 1% (0.4 ml/kg) was injected as the needle was being progressively withdrawn in a caudal-to-cranial direction. The efficacy of the block was confirmed by evaluation of the motor and sensory functions of the blocked forelimb. Motor blockade was assessed observing the position of the blocked leg on standing and walking patterns. Sensory blockade was evaluated by the stimulation of mechanical nociceptors in the dermatomes supplied by the four major sensory nerves of the distal thoracic limb. Results The BP was successfully located by US in all cases. The achieved BP block was complete in six cats (75%) and partial in the remaining two cats (25%). All animals recovered uneventfully from the sedation and the BP blocks. Conclusions and relevance The US-guided block at the axillary space evaluated in this study is a feasible, reproducible and safe technique to block the BP plexus in experimental live cats.

Clinical efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of intramuscular administration of alfaxalone alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sedative, anaesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of alfaxalone alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, randomized crossover study with a washout period of 15 days. ANIMALS: Seven adult cats, weighing 3.5 ± 0.7 kg. METHODS: Cats were assigned randomly to each of three treatments: A5 (alfaxalone 5 mg kg(-1) ), D20 A5 (dexmedetomidine 20 µg kg(-1) and alfaxalone 5 mg kg(-1) ) and D40 A5 (dexmedetomidine 40 µg kg(-1) and alfaxalone 5 mg kg(-1) ). Drugs were administered IM into the epaxial muscles. Sedation or anaesthesia scores were evaluated by a modified numerical rating scale. Times to extubation, head-lift, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded. Heart and respiratory rates, systolic arterial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension and rectal temperature were measured at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after drug administration. Adverse events were recorded. Data were analysed by one-way anova with Tukey's post-hoc test for parametric values and, for non-normally distributed parameters, a Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test for two independent samples (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Sedation scores were significantly different among the treatments. Cats in A5 were deeply sedated, whereas cats administered dexmedetomidine were anaesthetized. The onset of action and the duration of anaesthesia were related to the dose of dexmedetomidine. Cardiorespiratory parameters remained stable in the A5 group. Lower heart rates, higher systolic blood pressures and occasional low pulse oximetry readings were observed in the dexmedetomidine groups. A limited number of adverse events (hyperkinesia, emesis) occurred during recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alfaxalone administered IM induced sedation in cats. The addition of dexmedetomidine to alfaxalone induced general anaesthesia with a mild decrease in the heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin.

Validation of the dorsal approach for the blockade of the femoral nerve using ultrasound and nerve electrolocation in cats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to validate the dorsal approach for femoral nerve (FN) blockade in cats and to verify the efficacy of the sole use of peripheral nerve electrolocation (PNE) or ultrasound (US)-guided technique to achieve the block. METHODS: This study was carried out in two phases. In phase 1, five adult experimental cats were used to validate the approach. In each cat, one FN was located by US and the accuracy of this location confirmed by PNE. Then, 2 mg/kg lidocaine 2% (diluted in saline to a final volume of 1 ml) was injected around the target nerve and the success of the blockade was evaluated. In phase 2, four adult experimental cats were included in two groups to verify the reliability of this approach to block eight FNs by the sole use of PNE (group 1) or US-guided technique (group 2). Evidence of motor blockade, time required to perform the blockade, onset time and duration of the blockades were determined. RESULTS: The FN was successfully located by US in all cats enrolled in phase 1, as confirmed by PNE in all cases. The success rate was clinically higher in group 2 (87.5%) than in group 1 (75.0%). The US-guided technique required less time to perform and produced blocks of longer duration. Recovery was uneventful in all cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The combined use of PNE and US-guided technique enabled validation of the dorsal approach for the FN blockade as it provided a successful FN blockade in all cases. The sole use of a US-guided technique may offer some advantages over the use of a sole PNE-guided technique to perform these blocks.

Comparison of two techniques for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade in cats.

Axillary blockade of the brachial plexus (BP) is advocated in humans and dogs for surgical procedures carried out on the foot, carpus and elbow as it provides complete analgesia distally from above the elbow joint. The aim of this study was to develop an ultrasound (US)-guided approach to block the BP in cats. Two groups of 12 feline cadavers each were used to compare two different techniques to block the BP at the axillary level. The reliability of the techniques was assessed by anatomical and computed tomography (CT) studies. Cadavers of the first group were positioned in dorsal recumbency with the forelimb to be blocked adducted (thoracic limbs flexed and orientated caudally) (FAD technique). The second group was positioned in dorsal recumbency with the forelimb abducted 90° (FAB technique). The accuracy of the techniques was determined by US after injecting 1 ml blue ink along the BP nerves, and by CT after injecting 1 ml of an iodinated contrast medium. The anatomical and CT studies confirmed the accuracy of the US location of the BP nerves. Staining of the axillaris, musculocutaneous, radialis, medianus and ulnaris nerves was observed in 100% of cats using the FAB technique and in 66% of the cats using the FAD technique. Rate of complications was higher in the FAD technique. In conclusion, a US-guided axillary approach to the BP by the use of a FAB technique is a safe and feasible procedure to block the BP in the cat. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether the technique can be applied in a clinical setting.

Ultrasound-guided administration of lidocaine into the sciatic nerve in a porcine model: correlation between the ultrasonographic evolution of the lesions, locomotor function and histological findings.

Intraneural puncture of local anaesthetics has been associated with permanent or transitory nerve injury. The use of ultrasound (US)-guided techniques for the blockade of peripheral nerves has revealed that intraneural puncture is a relatively common complication, which is not frequently associated with neurological deficits. In this study, 2.5 mL of lidocaine were administered using US-guidance into the sciatic nerve (ScN) of 12 piglets. The punctured nerves were sequentially evaluated by US (cross sectional area and relative echogenicity) before and immediately after the injections, and then at 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days. At these times, animals were euthanased two by two at each time point, and ScN samples were removed for histological examination. Cross sectional area and relative echogenicity values were statistically different immediately after the injections, returning to pre-puncture values within 4 days. The inflammatory process observed by histopathology showed a similar trend indicating that the integrity of the perineurium was maintained. Locomotor deficits were not observed. The increase in size of the ScN produced by the injection of lidocaine intraneurally did not induce motor deficits in piglets in the current study.

Imaging diagnosis-infiltrative lipoma causing spinal cord and lumbar nerve root compression in a dog.

A 12-year-old, male, fox terrier dog presented with an abnormal gait of the left pelvic limb. Computed tomography revealed a large, homogeneous, hypoattenuating, noncontrast enhancing mass within the left epaxial muscles that invaded the L5-6 vertebral canal and caused spinal cord compression. Imaging findings were consistent with an infiltrative lipoma. The mass was removed and a left hemilaminectomy was performed in the affected area. Histopathology confirmed the mass to be an infiltrative lipoma. The dog recovered and regained neurologic function within 2 weeks. Computed tomography assisted preoperative planning by characterizing the shape, size, and location of the mass.