Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block with Mepivacaine in Zaraibi Goats

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided block of the brachial plexus is a safe and effective anesthetic technique that has been used for forelimb surgery in dogs, cats, calves, and donkeys. The current study aimed to provide detailed description of the neuroanatomical location and branching of the brachial plexus and to evaluate the ultrasound-guided blockade of the brachial plexus in Zaraibi goats. Nine clinically normal adult male Zaraibi goats weighing 25-45kg were included in the study. Three goats were used for anatomical study and six goats were used to investigate the feasibility of ultrasoundguided brachial plexus blockade. Blockage of the brachial plexus was made using 25ml mepivacaine (3%) that was introduced through a 20 gauge, 90mm spinal needle. The needle was inserted medial and dorsal to the transducer till the needle shaft imaged at the brachial plexus and then mepivacaine was injected. Efficient brachial plexus blockade in Zaraibi goats was achieved with peak of analgesia at 40min and peak of motor depression at 30min. The peak of analgesia was maintained for 40min (duration of analgesia). Ultrasound guided brachial plexus nerve block is a safe, feasible and efficient technique for blocking the sensory and motor nerves of the forelimb in goats without noticeable complications. Clinical studies are recommended to use this technique in the forelimb operations in goats.