Comparing approaches to sciatic nerve blocks in dogs during tibial plateau-levelling osteotomy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic requirements in dogs receiving a sciatic nerve block by either the lateral or transgluteal approach. The secondary aim was to determine if there was a difference in ease of performing the nerve block. Forty-two client-owned dogs were used in this study. Sciatic nerve block was performed by the transgluteal approach (group A), or the lateral approach (group B) combined with a psoas compartment block. All blocks were performed using a nerve stimulator and 0.1 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.5%, per block. The time taken to perform the sciatic nerve block, number of attempts, the current (mA), and intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements were recorded. Overall, 52% of dogs required methadone intraoperatively, with no difference between groups (P=0.516). Postoperatively, 24% in group A and 12% in group B required methadone (P=0.314). There was no difference in the time taken to perform the sciatic nerve block, current or the number of attempts between groups. Both approaches to the sciatic nerve block conferred similar levels of analgesia and may be used as part of a multimodal analgesic protocol for dogs undergoing pelvic limb surgery.