Ultrasound guided proximal paravertebral anaesthesia in cattle

The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of ultrasound guided proximal paravertebral anaesthesia in cattle. Paravertebral anaesthesia was undertaken in eight dairy cows to achieve analgesia of right or left flanks for performing various surgical procedures. Ultrasonographic visualization of the paravertebral branches of the spinal nerves was obtained by placing the probe at the inter-transverse space of T13-L1, L1-L2, and L2-L3 perpendicular to the midline. Both ‘in-plane’ and ‘outof-plane’ approaches for needle insertion were used and after locating the tip of the needle within 1-2 mm distance from each nerve branch, the local anaesthetic (5 mL/nerve in calves and 10 mL/nerve in adults) was administered. Satisfactory flank analgesia was achieved in all the patients. An out-of-plane approach for needle insertion was more efficient with respect to the needle visualization and control on it while insertion.