Comparative mapping of peripheral nerves in dogs and cattle

ABSTRACT Knowledge of animal anatomy is essential for the veterinarian to identify small structures such as nerves, thus providing a solid background for the professional especially for surgical and anesthetic techniques. To investigate and map the nerves of the brachial plexus (radial, musculocutaneous, ulnar, median), sciatic, tibial, femoral and the nerves for paravertebral blocking in bovine, embalmed specimens were used. One adult male dog weighing approximately 8kg and one 40kg male calf were used. Nerve mapping is fundamental due to its interdisciplinary nature, thus providing the veterinarian with a major improvement in his/her professional activities which permits allows one to perform complex tasks in anesthesia and veterinary surgery. Knowledge ofanatomical reference points increases clarity and precision in techniques involving peripheral nerve blocks.