Proposta de técnicas de bloqueio perineural na face palmar da região distal do membro torácico de bovinos

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to describe the neuroanatomy of the distal thoracic limb in cattle and develop a perineural block technique to assist in diagnosing lameness in these animals. The research aimed to adapt well-established techniques used in horses to cattle, considering anatomical and behavioral differences between the species. The study was divided into two phases: the first phase involved dissecting 20 anatomical specimens of the distal thoracic limbs of cattle to map the digital neuroanatomy. Additionally, contrast-enhanced tomographic imaging was performed, and methylene blue marking was evaluated at target sites for perineural blocks. The second phase used 9 animals (testing both right and left thoracic limbs) to assess the efficacy of the perineural block technique. Lidocaine 2% was administered at specific points, and the response was evaluated using pressure algometry to measure mechanical nociceptive thresholds (LNM) before and after the block. This project highlights the economic importance of cattle farming in Brazil and the need to improve the diagnosis of locomotor disorders, particularly in high-zootechnical-value animals. The research also sought to address a scientific gap, as most studies in cattle focus on the podal region, whereas this work extends the scope up to the carpal joint. The results confirm and validate an effective, reproducible perineural block technique that can be applied in the field for more accurate diagnoses. This study contributes to advancements in bovine medicine, enhancing animal welfare and reducing economic losses caused by undiagnosed lameness.