Evaluation of a midhumeral block of the radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous and median (RUMM block) nerves for analgesia of the distal aspect of the thoracic limb in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a technique for midhumeral peripheral nerve blockade in the dog.

STUDY DESIGN

Cadaveric technique development; in vivo placebo-controlled, prospective crossover study.

ANIMALS

Canine cadavers (n=38) and 8 clinically healthy, adult hound dogs.

METHODS

A technique for peripheral block of the radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous, and median nerves (RUMM block) was evaluated using cadaver limbs. Eight purpose-bred, research dogs were anesthetized; a RUMM block was performed on each thoracic limb. One limb from each dog randomly received 0.5% bupivacaine and the opposite limb was assigned to receive sterile saline solution as a control. After recovery from anesthesia, skin sensation at selected dermatomes was evaluated for 24 hours using a mechanical stimulus. Weight-bearing, conscious proprioception, and withdrawal reflex were also evaluated. One month after initial testing, each dog was reanesthetized and each limb received the opposite treatment.

RESULTS

Sensory thresholds were significantly increased over baseline measurements when compared with control limbs for all nerves. Complete sensory block was achieved in radial (15/16), ulnar (3/16), musculocutaneous (8/16), and median (11/16) nerves, using a mechanical stimulus of analgesia. Complete simultaneous block of all nerves was only obtained in 1 of 16 limbs.

CONCLUSION

RUMM block resulted in desensitization of the skin in the associated dermatomes for 4-10 hours. Complete sensory block of the dermatomes supplied by the radial nerve was most consistent.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

RUMM block may be an effective technique to provide adjunctive analgesia for dogs undergoing surgery of the distal aspect of the thoracic limb.