The use of a catheter to provide brachial plexus block in dogs

The objective of the study was to devise a method to facilitate catheter pl acement to perform brachial plexus block in the dog. Lidocaine plus epineph rine was injected through a 3.5 French feeding tube secured in proximity of the brachial plexus. Cutaneous areas for the nerves of the distal forelimb were tested for nociceptive sensation by pinching the skin with hemostats. Five out of the 7 dogs developed a full motor and sensory block. The onset time for a full block and duration of blockade were 54 min, s = 17.1 and 3 9 min, s = 37.6, respectively. A second blockade was successfully achieved in 2 dogs in which the catheter was not displaced. An indwelling feeding tu be is an effective way to provide blockade of the brachial plexus in the do g. The placement and the fixation of the catheter were critical for the pro duction of a full block.