A recent study by Viscasillas et al. compared ultrasound using the SonoScape S9v, with CT (Phillips, 16 slices multidetector), for guiding the needle in order to perform central neuraxial injections at the thoracic and lumbar area in dogs.

They found that:

• Hyperechogenic line is usually seen
• Other structures of the vertebral canal are not visualised
• In-plane approaches were more successful than out-of-plane
• More experience
• Overall success rate (81%) may show technique could be easy to learn

It was concluded that:

• Ultrasonography allows recognising the anatomical landmarks to perform neuraxial injections
• It can be used as guidance for advancing the needle until reaching the vertebral canal
• It can be a useful tool in patients with anatomical abnormalities or when different approaches are needed