Sciatic and femoral nerve block in cats: anatomical study and determination of an apropriate volume for blind injection

• Grant number: 17/17880-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2017
• End date: October 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Beatriz Perez Floriano
• Grantee: Daniela Ribas Jané
• Host Institution: Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos (FIO). Fundação Educacional Miguel Mofarrej. Ourinhos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Locorregional anesthesia has gained importance in small animals, although studies in cats remain scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the adequate volume of anesthetic solution for blind sciatic and femoral nerve block in cats to render its use in clinical practice viable without the aid of technology. The study will be divided into three phases. The first comprises training for dissection of the femoral and sciatic nerves in feline cadavers. The second phase will comprise determination of the volume of 1% methylene blue required to stain at least 2 cm of each nerves of feline cadavers, which will be assessed through dissection windows. Two groups of different volumes will be carried out for this determination: 0.2 mL/kg/nerve and 0.3 mL/kg/nerve. Each group will correspond to a distinct hindlimb of the same cadaver, in order to compare limbs in a paired fashion. The last phase of the study will comprise the clinical application of the previously determined volume in 10 healthy cats to assess the efficacy of sciatic and femoral block. Lidocaine at 2% without epinephrine will be used at a maximum of 2 mg/kg/nerve, diluted with 0.9% NaCl to the total volume. The block will be performed under dissociative anesthesia with a combination of 10% ketamine and 2% xylazine given intramuscularly. Subjects will be evaluated before (MB) the block and at 15-minute intervals following the block until the return of sensitivity (M15, M30 etc.) through scores ascribed to patellar reflex, superficial and deep pain. The first phase of the study will be analyzed descriptively. The second phase will be analyzed through Fisher exact test for staining and paired t test to compare the volumes. Third phase results from the scores will be compared using the Wilcoxon test and duration of the blocks will be compared through paired t test. The project was designed to be performed along 12 months and the results will be published in scientific journals and congresses. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

JANE, D. R.; GUSMAO, B. S.; OLIVEIRA, B. B.; CUSTODIO, L. P.; REIS FILHO, N. P.; TREIN, T. A.; FLORIANO, B. P.. [Comparação de dois volumes para injeção perineural no nervo isquiático utilizando azul de metileno 1% em cadáveres de coelhos]. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 73, n. 6, p. 1309-1314, NOV-DEC 2021. (17/17880-4)