The Successful Use of an Ultrasound-Guided Mid-Femur Sciatic Nerve Block in a Juvenile Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) under General Anaesthesia

Abstract

The current case report describes a successful ultrasound-guided mid-femur sciatic nerve block in an emu. A 2-month-old emu suffering from acute-onset lameness was referred to the University Clinic of Liège, where he was diagnosed with a lateral luxation of the Achilles tendon on both hind limbs. Two surgical procedures were performed for treatment. Both surgical procedures were performed under general anaesthesia with butorphanol, ketamine, midazolam and isoflurane in oxygen. The anaesthesia was continuously monitored. An ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block was performed to prevent and treat surgically induced nociception. The technique was adapted from what is already described in other species. Levobupivacaine was injected perineurally under ultrasound-guidance. Intraoperative nociception was assessed based on the heart rate and mean arterial pressure changes. The recovery was uneventful and with no clinical signs of postoperative pain.