Distal lumbar paravertebral nerve block in cattle

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

• Similar to proximal paravertebral anesthesia

* Animals: ataxia or general body weakness!

Question 2

Materials

Answer 2

• 2.5-inch, 16-18G needle
• A 1-inch, 14G guide needle to act as a cannula through the skin (preferred) or a bayonet-tip
scalpel blade (for skin stab incisions)
• 20-ml syringe
• 2% lidocaine

Question 3

Basic technique

Answer 3

• Block the nerve:
o NT13 distal aspects of transverse vertebral processes L1
o NL1 distal aspects of transverse vertebral processes L2
o NL2 distal aspects of transverse vertebral processes L4

Question 4

Specific technique

Answer 4

• 14-gauge needle
• Inject 3 to 5 ml of lidocaine to anesthetize the skin
• Infuse 10 to 15 ml of 2% lidocaine below the transverse process
• Without removing the needle from the skin incision: infuse 10 to 15 ml of 2% lidocaine
dorsally to the transverse process

Question 5

Advantages compared with proximal anesthesia

Answer 5

• Easy palpation of these landmarks →easier to perform

* M. longissimus dorsi is not involved: scoliosis and locomotion are unlikely problems