Ultrasound-guided inferior alveolar nerve block in donkeys

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to describe an ultrasound-guided technique of the inferior alveolar nerve block in donkeys.Preliminary study involved performing descriptive dissection of the mandibles of three fresh donkey heads as a base for ultrasound guided injection of a colored dye just beside the nerve in another six intact fresh donkey head. Assessments of the technique and the most appropriate approach were recorded Color doppler flow ultrasound was used to guide the needle insertion for inferior alveolar nerve block in six alive donkeys. A full anesthetic evaluation was performed. The surgical anatomy of the ventral mandible of the donkey was similar to the horse. The course and relations of the inferior alveolar nerve and blood vessels were recorded. The proper location of ultrasound transducer with the most appropriate diagnostic angle was determined and the point of needle insertion with the least tissue invasiveness regarding the preliminary study results were also documented. The color flow doppler offers great assistance in locating the blood vessel accompanying inferior alveolar nerve and make approaching the nerve block more fast, feasible and efficient. The clinical anesthetic evaluation showed a hundred percent efficiency and no post anesthetic complications. Advancement of veterinary diagnostic tools at the same time with low costs and readily availability make the use of ultrasound a reliable option for guidance in nerve blocks especially for those deep nerves related with vital structures.