**7.6.5 Brachial plexus block**

Brachial plexus block is suitable for inducing analgesia for the surgery on the front limb, any area below distal part of humerus.

The technique should be performed in a well-sedated or anesthetized animal.

This block can be used in small ruminants, calves, and foals.

Brachial plexus block is relatively simple and safe to perform and produces selective anesthesia and relaxation of the limb and analgesia to the forelimb.

This technique places a local anesthetic in close proximity to brachial plexus nerves that include the radial, ulnar, median, musculocutaneous and axillary nerves.

The brachial plexus nerves derived from C-6, C-7, C-8 and T-1 spinal nerves roots.

Gradual sensation and loss of motor function occurs within 10-30 minutes depending on the type of drugs used. Anesthesia lasts for approximately 2-6 hours, and total recovery requires approximately 6-9 hours.

A 20-22 gauge spinal needle is inserted medial to the shoulder joint and directed parallel to the vertebral column toward the costochondral junction.

In large size animal, if no blood is aspirated into the syringe as the needle is withdrawn, approximately 10-15 ml of 2% lidocaine or 0.5 % bupivacaine at 3 mg/kg with dilution up to 20-30 ml is slowly injected.

Local anesthetics are injected to brachial plexus which would diffuse into the area to effect.
