Clinical techniques in veterinary dermatology: regional anaesthesia of the canine and feline distal limb.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Local anaesthesia for procedures involving the distal limb are a useful component of balanced protocols to achieve effective procedural analgesia for patients. A ring block is an effective and straightforward technique. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To review and describe the ring block technique for local anaesthesia of the canine and feline distal limb. ANIMALS: Images of hospitalized patients were used. These photographs were obtained with owner permission. RESULTS: The clinical technique for the ring block of the canine or feline distal limb is described. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The ring block can be implemented simply and successfully for a variety of procedures involving the distal limb to provide effective analgesia.