The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability and efficacy of a new technique of brachial plexus block in dogs. Eleven mongrel dogs of different ages and weight, both male and female were used. Animals were pre-medicated with acepromazine and induction of anesthesia was performed with propofol. The brachial plexus block was achieved with the combination of the following techniques: multiple injections, nerve stimulator and the axilary artery pulse to locate the nerves. Bupivacaine was the local anesthetic employed at a total dose of 4mg/kg. This dose was divided in 4, that were administered in 30 seconds each, to achieve more nerves as possible. The time spent to perform the whole procedure was 11.30 ± 4.54 minutes; onset time for motor and sensitive block were 9.70 ± 5.52 and 26.20 ± 8.86 respectively. Duration of analgesia was 11.0 ± 0.45 hours. The block was effective in 90% of animals what was assessed through complete anesthesia of the front limb distally to the shoulder joint. Hypotension in one animal was the sole complication observed. With the results obtained we can suggest the use of this technique for front limb surgery performed distally to the shoulder joint as well as a pos-operative analgesic approach in dogs.
brachial plexus; peripheral nerve stimulators; dogs; bupivacaine
