TDK conference 2025

Background. Recently, the nerve block techniques in small animal anesthesia are still underutilized in Hungary. Due to technical difficulties and the requirement for advanced equipment, nerve blocks are still underutilized in dogs despite their value in veterinary practice. Some of these techniques require ultrasound or EMG, which may not be available in general or field circumstances.

Objective. This thesis focuses on the description of the simple and safe landmark-guided nerve block techniques that can be applied in routine clinical practice with confidence and high efficiency. Our focus is on practical methods based on general anatomy.

Cadaver. A male Vizsla cadaver was chosen with lean musculature, short coat, and balanced anatomy, which made it clear to identify the anatomical structures during dissection.

Materials and methods. A total of 15 nerve blocks were performed and documented anatomical dissection in depth with step-by-step photographic documentation layer-by-layer. Needle insertion points were determined using visible and palpable anatomical landmarks to access target nerves precisely.

Results. The techniques included nerve blocks for the infraorbital, mental, mandibular, greater palatine, ophthalmic, brachial plexus root, proximal RUMM, radial, ulnar, median, musculocutaneous, digital, femoral, sciatic, common peroneal, and tibial nerves. All techniques were designed for landmark-guided application and are suitable for use in clinics with or without advanced equipment.

Clinical importance. Nerve blocks support multimodal analgesia, reduce the usage of systemic anesthetics, and increase safety in high-risk patients. By suggesting simplified and anatomical landmark-based guidance, this thesis encourages wider use of nerve blocks in daily veterinary practices in Hungary.