In order to further our understanding of the physiology of our bodies, a number of different techniques can be used. The use of ultrasound imaging is one such method, and is particularly important due to the ability to carry out scanning quickly and non-invasively without the requirement for sedation. A research paper published by Hagag U et al ‘Blind versus ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block in donkeys’, Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 2017 July 2015 S1467-2987(17)30244-1 looks at how ultrasonography can aid when assessing the nervous system in both alive and cadaver donkeys.

A total of 27 animals were looked at (9 live individuals and 18 cadavers), with the maxillary nerve undergoing staining with methylene blue dye both ‘blindly’ and with the aid of ultrasound imaging before being examined in the cadavers. The alive animals underwent a similar process, although were given lidocaine hydrochloride as well. As lidocaine hydrochloride is used to prevent pain, donkeys were tested via a needle to ensure that the area being examined was suitably anaesthetised.

The results revealed that when the methylene blue was injected blindly the precision rate was 69.2%, with the dye incorrectly collecting in some areas. In addition, the alive animals exhibited neurovascular trauma using this method. This research also showed that ultrasound imaging helped to increase the onset of numbness following injection when compared to injection without any additional assistance – 10.9 minutes and 27.8 minutes respectively. Consequently it was inferred that ultrasonography was a suitable technique to use for these purposes, with further research being suggested in different settings. 

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