In Practice 6: 102-107 (1984)
© 1984 British Veterinary Association

Nerve blocks and lameness diagnosis in the horse

The systematic use of regional anaesthesia is a valuable aid to identifying the exact site of pain and ultimately achieving an accurate diagnosis. Desensitisation of a region in one limb and removal of associated pain may make contralateral limb lameness apparent or permit the identification of two problems existing concurrently in one limb.

Aberrations of nerve supply, a previous neurectomy or inaccurate placement of the local anaesthetic may cause failure of effective desensitisation. Experience allows the use of minimal quantities of local anaesthetic, aiding specificity and reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions to the drug.